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M U N K 0 • S L I ]3 K A R Y 


VOL. 50. No. 794. OcTOBEU 31, 1887. SunscuiPTiON $30. 

Entered at the Post Office, N. Y., as Second Class Matter. 

Muuro’s Library is issued Tri- Weekly. 


STELLA, THE STAR; 

OR, 

A Drama off the Stage. 


THE ROMANCE OF AN ACTRESS' PRIVATE LIFE. 


} 

BY WENONA 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1887, by Koi'man L. 
Munro, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, 
at Washington, D. C. 



NEW YORK: 

NOKMAN L. MUNH.O, PUBLISHER, 

U AND 26 VANDEWATER ST, 


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U KRAUS & C0.| Manufacturers, Birmingham, Cenru 


STELLA, THE STAR; 

OR, 

A Drama off the Stage. 


THE ROMANCE OF AN ACTRESS^ PRIVATE LIFE. 


BY WENONA GILMAN. 


CHAPTEE I. 

Get me one box of rouge de theatre, number eight- 
een — be sure to get eighteen, for any other number is 
not the right shade — one box of the lightest shade of 
brunette exora powder and a stick of Condray’s Pomade. 
And tell Charlie Myers to dress that wig high, instead of 
low, as I told him yesterday. Go quickly, Olochette, and 
doiPt stay, as I can do nothing until you return.-’^ 

The girl left the room, and the speaker opened a little 
enameled watch and looked at it. 

There! fortunately I made a mistake, and am very 
early. Full half an hour before time to dress. Clochette 
is so frightfully slow, that my error has favored me for 
once.” 

She removed her long sealskin wrap and the rich, dark 
street dress which it concealed. She selected a pretty, 
simple, loose wrapper of delicate blue and white to re- 
place it, and then sat down in front of a long mirror and 
began studying her own face. 

It was well worth it. 

Her mirror reflected a small, well-shaped head covered 
with soft, clustering curls of bronze gold. It was won- 
derful hair, silky and soft as a child’s; a smooth, creamy, 
clear complexion, vvhich almost glittered in its dazzling 


4 STELLA, THE STaU, 

loveliness. Her eyes were like dark, velvety pansies, and 
slione with the tender light of the heartVease before the 
summer sun has dried the dew from its petals. They 
had a trick of growing black when any emotion swayed 
her, and she had a face from the broad white brow, 
through the beautiful eyes, the delicate, Grecian nose, 
the exquisitely curved, sweet, tremulous mouth, to the 
rounded, perfect chin, that betrayed every feeling of her 
pure soul. 

Her slender, sylph-like form was only comparable, in 
its gliding, swaying grace, to the movements of some 
great shining serpent, though there was nothing which 
indicated a snake in the girl’s gentle, tender, loving dis- 
position, which had powers and capabilities of which she 
yet did not dream. 

Stella Horthcote was a girl whom contact with the 
world could not defile. She knew the world, she under- 
stood men, she could sway them like a reed in the wind, 
and yet she was essentially as pure and simple-minded as 
a country lass. She was a woman of the world, yet 
thoroughly apart from its vices, its uncharitableness, its 
slanders, its jealousies, and its corruptions. 

Born of theatrical parents, she herself had been a 
member of that much maligned profession from the time 
she could first remember, loving it with all the depth of 
her great soul, studying her characters with interest 
and affection, rather than from any desire to win ap- 
plause. 

But that came, came in showers like rain from a sum- 
mer sky, only the applause lasted, whereas the summer 
storm passes, leaving the sky serenely blue and the rain 
is soon forgotten. 

As she sat before her mirror, in the dressing-room at 
the theater, she threw herself back in her chair, stretched 
her lovely arms above her head, and nodded approvingly 
at herself. 

“ What a lucky girl you are, Stella Horthcote,’’ she 
said aloud in the soft, silvery voice which suited her so 
well. First of all, an excellent salary with a percent- 
age of the gross, next a fair amount of talent, or ^ gen- 
ius,’ as the critics choose to call my attempts, an un- 
limited amoimt of ability in the art of dressing well, and 
last — ah, well! I am not sure of that yet.” 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


S 

A little, tender smile played about her mouth, and al- 
most at the same instant a knock sounded upon her 
door. 

It was the call-boy. 

A box of cut flowers for you. Miss Korthcote,^^ he 
announced, in a business-like tone. I knocked against 
a wing and dropped the box. The top came off, but the 
flowers are unhurt. By the wa}^! I almost forgot. There 
is a gentleman at the door and wislies to know if you 
will see him for a moment.'’^ 

AVho is it?’^ 

I donT know,^^ answered the boy, looking at the 
ceiling with a steady stare. 

Bring him down.^^ 

The boy departed and soon returned with an elegantly- 
dressed, stylish gentleman, of a tall, Apollo-like appear- 
ance. He was dark and handsome as men rarely are, 
with a quiet, lazy grace, all his own. 

Is it you, Mr. Pendennis?” asked Stella, rising and 
extending her hand, while a slight pink colored her 
cheeks for a moment. ‘'You know it is against the 
manager’s rules for gentlemen to call at the theater.” 

" I am not 'gentlemen.’ Don’t pluralize me, please,” 
answered Pendennis, seating himself lazily in the chair 
she had vacated, while he drew up another for her. 
" Besides, you know that no one ever objects to anything 
that you desire.” 

" But I do not desire your presence here,” said Stella, 
with a half smile. 

"Yes, you do. Your eyes betray you. You are the 
best actress I ever saw on the stage, Stella, but the worst 
one in private life. Your eyes are altogether too honest 
and truthful. Do you know what they say now, just as 
plainly as if your lips spoke?” 

"Yes; they say, 'Mr. Pendennis, I can give you just 
five minutes. State your business and take your depart- 
ure.’ ” 

She laughed merrily, which took from her words any 
ungraciousness which they otherwise might have con- 
veyed. 

"You are utterly mistaken. They say, ' I am glad 
you have come, Philip, and I want you to remain, but, of 
course, you can’t, very long.’” 


a STELLA, THE STAR. 

lie leaned back in his chaii% half closed his eyes, and 
looked at her. 

She smiled saucily, 

^‘Egotist! I should be dressing now, but I had to 
send Olochette for some ^ make-up,^ which I have been 
neglecting and forgetting.-’^ 

^^Why do you make up your face, with your complex- 
ion? You are not so beautiful on the stage, to me, as 
you are off, and it is that odious make-up.^’ 

Nonsense! I should look sallow and ghastly with 
that strong light and no make-up, no matter how perfect 
my complexion might be.^^ 

“1 wish you would leave the stage, Stella.-’^ 

She looked at him aghast. 

Leave the stageP’ she repeated. Don’t be absurd, 
Mr. Pendennis. How could I leave it? What would I 
do without my art, my long -loved study, my excitement, 
and my dear, dear public? And what would they do 
without me?” 

Don’t trouble about them. They would soon find 
some new divinity to worship, and as for yourself, well, 
you might select some other object to study and love — 
me, for instance.” 

He spoke quite coolly, and slowly, w'atching her 
closely through.his still half-closed eyes. 

Pooh!” she answered, unconcernedly, while a vivid 
blush struggled into her cheeks. You are more stujnd 
than usual to-night.” 

Am I?” he asked, softly. ^^Then my stupidity must 
be colossal. How blindingly beautiful you are when you 
blush, Stella.” 

I am not blushing ” — her face taking on a little 
deeper shade. 

Aren’t you? I really must visit an oculist; I am hav- 
ing optical illusions.” 

‘‘Stel,” spoke a rich masculine voice through the half- 
open door, ‘Svill you run through the lines of the second 
act with me? I am horribly shaky in them.” 

After the first act, Ted. I’m engaged now,” she 
called back. 

All right. Ta-ta.” 

^^Why are you so familiar with that fellow, and he 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


7 


witli 3’ou?^^ asked Pendennis, some scintillating sparks 
gathering in his lazy, liandsome eyes. 

Oh, we are like a big family of brothers and sisters 
here. We don’t mind each other. I don’t object to 
their calling me ^ Stel,’ but when some one calls me 
^ Northcote ’ that makes me angry. It sounds disrespect-' 
ful.” 

^^Well, it makes 7ne angry to see that fellow ^Ted,’ as 
you call him, with his arms around you in the play, and 
to see you kiss him sots my blood on fire.” 

^^Do you see that post? Yes, of course you do. 
Well, I might have my arms about it all day, and my 
brother, my father, or even my lover, if I liad any of 
these, would utter no protest. I might kiss this dagger 
all day” — holding it in her hand — ‘'‘and no word would 
be said against it. Well, Ted Earlscourt is like that 
post or this dagger to me, when we are on the stage to- 
gether. He is simply a piece of furniture. If the busi- 
ness of the play calls for me to kiss the dagger, I do it. 
If it calls for me to kiss Ted, I kiss him. One second 
later I could not tell whether I had done it or not. 
Neither could he.” 

“Umph!” ejaculated Pendennis. “I see. But, all 
the same, when you are my wife you leave the stage.” 

“Whoever heard such impertinence?” exclaimed 
Stella, her color rising again. “ Pray, who ever told you 
that I intend conferring that honor upon you?” 

“Your eyes,” answered Pendennis calmly. “They 
have said to me every moment since I have been in this 
room, ‘ Philip, I love you,’ just as they have said it many 
times before.” 

“ Then they are as arrant deceivers as were ever put in 
^ny one’s head.” 

“Do you mean that you do not love me, Stella?” 

He had leaned forward and taken her little, cool hands 
into his grasp, and was looking into her eyes. There 
was a world of slumbering passion in his own, and 
though he spoke quietly, she could see that there was in- 
tense excitement underlying his words. 

She did not answer, and he took her tenderly in his 
* arms and kissed her sweet lips. 

There was a flush upon his face as he raised his head, 
jind his voice was not quite steady when he spoke^ 


8 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


You do love me, Stella, and will be mj wife, because 
the world would be chaos and my life a purposeless 
chasm without you. I can imagine no future for myself 
in which you are not the central figure. I can think of 
no happiness which is not made by you. I love you with 
all my soul, and you know it. Is it not true, Stella?^"' 

I believe it, Philip, and it is my hearPs joy to be- 
lieve it.'’^ 

lie kissed her again tenderly and lingeringly. 

^‘My darling!'^ he murmured, softly. ^'Say, ^Philip, 
I love you."* I have heard you say the words before, but 
not to me, and they were like the sting of scorpions to 
me. Now say them for me alone, and when you say 
them do it from the bottom of your great, pure soul, and 
let your eyes speak them also.'’^ 

She raised her lovely eyes to his. There was no need to 
call it up. The divine light of imperishable love glit- 
tered there. 

Her face was quite close to his, and she murmured so 
low that even he scarcely caught the words: 

Philip, I love you.’’^ 

No man could doubt after that, even had he been in- 
clined to, which Philip Pendennis was not. 

And I will be your wife,^^ he dictated. 

^^Ilalf hour!^^ sung out the call-boy, making his 
rounds. 

At the same moment Clochette entered. 

Good gracious!^'’ cried Stella, leaping to her feet. 
^'Half hour and not a thing done. Go quickly, Mr. 
Pendennis, or I shall be late.’’"’ 

Answer my question,^^ he said, softly. 

To-morrow at four,"’"’ she answered, with a dazzling 
smile. Good-night!’-’ 

She closed the door after him, turned the key and 
began the process of making up, which she never al- 
lowed any one to do for her. How happy she was. 

Poor Stella! As if she did not know that the penalty 
paid for love is suffering! 

Of what use was her experience of stage heroines, for, 
after all, they are but copies of the reality. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


9 


CHAPTER II. 

^^It is eleven o’clock. Miss Northcote, and your break- 
fast will be quite cold.’^ 

Stella Northcote sprung up in bed, as lovely a vision 
as one could ever see, hei* pretty, bright curls tumbled, 
her beautiful eyes looking vague and uncertain, a bright, 
warm flush of sleep upon her cheeks. 

Eleven o^clock!^'’ she repeated, rubbing the sleep from 
her eyes with her two little fists, quite after the manner 
of a child. A whole hour longer than usual. Well, 
Eve enjoyed it, Clochette, and I do not intend to scold 
myself at all. Fve lived in fairyland all night, and used 
my wand with great effect. It was lovely, lovelier than 
I used to think the old story of the ^ Arabian Nights.^ 
But, after all, this prosaic old world is beautiful, and I 
love it with all my heart and long for no other.’' 

You have no cause to yearn for another. Miss Horth- 
cote," answered Clochette. You are one of this world's 
‘ favored few.' It has used you as women are rarely used, 
and you would be ungrateful to find fault. Your mail is 
in. There are a pile of letters and a package. Then 
messengers have brought several bouquets. One of pan- 
sies and cape jasmine is the most beautiful thing I ever 
saw. Will you have your mail now?" 

my bath first. The letters can wait, and I am 
as hungry as a wolf." 

She leaped out of bed, went into her own little bath- 
room and took her plunge, which was already prepared. 

She returned, radiant and smiling, was soon robed in a 
charming negligee of cream and pink crepe, then sat down 
to her breakfast and Herald. 

^^Now for my mail," she cried, springing up at last. 

She leaned over and kissed the bouquet of pansies and 
jasmine, which bore the card of Philip Pendennis, then 
placing it on a table beside her, she took up her mail. 

The package was opened first. It contained an ex- 
quisite pin of pink opals and diamonds, as dainty and 
beautiful as it was valuable. 

^^Oh, how lovely!" she cried, as she held them off to 


16 


BTKLLA, TJIE STAR. 

have a better view. ^^But how careless to send it by 
mail.^^ 

Opals are ill-luck. Miss Northcote. Do not accept 
theni/^ urged Olochette, real concern upon her face. 

Nonsense,^" laughed Stella. I know actresses are 
proverbially superstitious, and I am to a great extent, 
but I hope I do not carry it to that absurd degree. 
However, rest easy Olochette, for I shall not accept 
Eaoul Brownelhs charming gift.” 

She laid it aside, and opened her letters one after an- 
other, tossing them aside with little care. 

I think I shall have to employ a private secretary if 
this continues,” she laughed, as she opened the last. 

Ah!” — looking at the signature — Eaoul has written. 
Let me see: 

‘ My dear Stella,^ — ^ My dear Stella ^ is good. I 
wonder where we obtained our lessons in familiarity, 
monsieur — ' Pardon me if I presume too much in my 
manner of addressing you; though, whether you will or 
no, you are dear Stella, yes, dearest Stella, to me, 
though you may forbid the ‘^my”^ — as I undoubtedly 
shall. ^My love can be no insult to you, though it may 
not be acceptable; but I do love you, Stella, as women 
are rarely loved, with all the strength of my soul ^ — that 
sounds awfully stagey. ^ You have given me no encour- 
agement — you have appeared, I think sometimes, to actu- 
ally dislike me — but even that has no power over this stem- 
less love of mine ^ StemlessV I must remember that. ^ If 
you will consent to be my wife, you will not only make 
me the happiest of men, but the proudest as well. l am 
the last of an old and honored race, being absolutely 
without relatives; and I ask you to share with me the 
large fortune which has been an inheritance in the 
family for many generations. You shall live, as will be- 
come one of your exalted beauty, in a palace ^ — I wonder 
if it is on Lake Como — ^ surrounded by everything which 
money can purchase and love suggest. 

^ I send by same mail a small token of esteem, which 
I hope you will not refuse, in any event, I shall take 
the liberty of calling this afternoon at five for my an- 
swer. If it is ‘‘ ISTo,” I shall try to bear it as braveiy as 
I can, though it will be a terrible blow; but if you can 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


11 


find it in your heart not to look with disfavor upon me, 
I shall spend my life in my endeavors to make you happy. 

‘ Always your devoted, 

‘ Raoul Bkowkell.^ ” 

She sat for some minutes with the letter in her hand, 
turning it over and looking at it. 

I wonder if that man thinks I am for sale,” she mur- 
mured at last. think I shall refer him to my man- 
ager, as he is the person who looks after my business 
interests. But Raoul Brownell is not a bad fellow after 
all, and I am ungrateful. He never seems sincere to me, 
and I do not trust him. Even this letter has a false 
sound, though I dare say I am wrong. But what is the 
use troubling my poor little head about him? I shall de- 
cline with thanks, and that will settle it.” 

But man proposes and God ” Is it God always 

wdio disposes”? or is it not sometimes black, horrible 
fate, superinduced by the King of Terrors, who has 
power, also, to sway the world? 

A lady to see you. Miss Northcote!” 

The servant flung open the door, ushered in the lady 
and retired. 

And she? 

She had stepped just over the threshold of the door, 
far enough for it to be closed behind her, and stopped, 
holding her glasses to her eyes, and looking at Stella. 

She was a tall woman, considerably above the average 
height and verging on seventy-flve years of age, every day 
of which was written upon her face, though her figure 
was erect as a girhs. She was richly, elaborately 
dressed in black satin, of the most superlatively aristo- 
cratic make, and wrapped in sables. She carried a stick 
of ebony, with the huge gold head of a dragon surmount- 
ing it. 

Unaccustomed as she was to nervousness of any kind, 
Stella nevertheless felt a shiver pass over her, as the 
double-barreled glasses were leveled at her and not re- 
moved. 

"'Will you not be seated, madam?” she asked, in her 
sweet, silvery voice, when she had recovered from her 
momentary surprise. 

The lady sat in the chair indicated, » 


12 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Yon are " Stella, the Star?' " she asked, in a hard, nn- 
mnsical, but low-toned voice. 

‘‘lam Stella Northcote, madam; at present starring 
at Booth's. I think my face is fairly well known," an- 
swered Stella, drawing herself np and speaking in her 
most icy tone, which could almost freeze when she chose 
that it should. 

“Possibly to the frequenters of the playhouse, hut I 
never go there," said her visitor, sharply. 

“Indeed! Then, may I ask to what I owe the honor 
of this visit? And to whom I have the pleasure of speak- 
ing?" 

“ I am a member of the old Knickerbocker stock of the 
early days of the city of New York, and well known 
among the highest classes." 

“ Possibly," answered Stella, a smile curving the cor- 
ners of her mouth, as the lines of David Garrick came into 
her head; “ but I am not acquainted with tlie Knicker- 
bocker stock." 

“I dare say. I should not have expected it. Of 
course, women in your profession know nothing of soci- 
ety." 

“ The women in my profession are ladies, at all events, 
and know how to treat members of tlieir own sex, which 
is more than I can say for some of the ‘ Knickerbocker 
stock,"' returned Stella, quietly, a flush of anger rising 
to her fair brow. “You surely have not come here for 
the pleasure of insulting me, madam?" 

“ I have not come here from any pleasure at all, but 
through glaring duty, which I deeply regret." 

“You cannot regret it more than I do." 

Again the gold-rimmed glasses were raised, and the 
woman of high rank stared in well-bred astonisliment at 
the flushed face of the girl who, though a Thespian, was 
none the less a lady. 

“ You are an impertinent girl, but an exceedingly pretty 
one," said the old woman, after her prolonged gaze. 

“ And you are an insulting old woman, and will oblige 
me by leaving my roo*n," returned Stella, her justifiable 
anger getting the better of her. 

“Hoighty-toighty! Do you know who I am, young 
woman?" 

No; nor^care," answered Stella. 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


13 


Possibly if you knew, you would not be so quick with 
your flashing temper. I have come to see where the 
charm lies, that you can turn the heads of men of sense 
and learning, as well as of some of the women of the 
world. It is your wonderful beauty, certainly not your 
amiability.” 

Perhaps, now that you have discovered that fact, you 
will leave me in peace.” 

^^Not quite yet. There are other matters upon which 
I wish to speak to you.” 

Stella bowed in her most frigid style, and sat down, 
folding her pretty, patrician hands firmly, a habit which 
she had formed when wishing to control her temper. 

I am,” began the woman, with badly concealed pom- 
posity, mother of a young man, of high social rank and 
vast wealth, whom you are leading to ruin.” 

Madam,” cried Stella, thoroughly aroused, that is 
utterly false, and if you were not so old a woman, I would 
take you by the shoulders, shake you well, and put you 
out of my room.” 

Again the eye-glasses were brought to bear upon the 
angry girl, whose eyes were now as black as night and 
gleaming like stars. 

I could expect nothing better from a show- woman,” 
remarked the visitor slowly. It would not surprise me, 
even considering my age. Believe me, I would not have 
placed myself in a position to receive such indignity, had 
not circumstances demanded and forced it. I repeat it, 
you are leading my son to ruin. You are exerting over 
him some powerful influence, which you have wound 
about him, until he has no strength to extricate himself. 
He is in love with you, and I actually believe Iiq would 
marry you !” 

There was such genuine consternation, such unaffected 
horror expressed upon the woman’s wrinkled face, that 
Stella, forgetting her own affront, burst into a peal of 
ringing, girlish laughter. 

In her own set, the visitor never heard a hearty, sim- 
ple laugh, and though she admired the musical sweet- 
ness of the sound, she shivered slightly at what she men- 
tally termed the giiTs under-bred manner.” 

I beg your pardon, madam,” said Stella, when she 
could control her sudden burst of merriment. ‘'Of 


14 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


course it would be a horrihle thing for a member of tlic 
' Knickerbocker stock ^ to marry me, but I assure you 
that I neither feel the indignity which it would brijug 
upon him, nor the honor it would confer upon me. Have 
no fear, madam. Your son is safe.^^ 

Have I your promise that you will refuse my son if 
he should so far forget himself as to ask you to be his 
wife? 'Stella, the Star,^ has the reputation of being an 
honorable woman, and though you are not of our world, 
something tells me that if you promise me not to marry 
Philip, you wjll keep your word. Will you do it?’^ 

All the pretty, child-like color suddenly deserted the 
lovely face, and Stella sunk back in her chair as though 
she had received a blow. 

" Whom did you say?’^ she gasped faintly. 

"I am Mrs. Daniel Pendennis, mother of Philip Pen- 
dennis. Stella Horthcote, have I your solemn promise 
not to marry my son?^^ 


CHAPTER III. 

Eon a few moments Stella sat perfectly still and mute, 
all powers of motion and. speech seeming suddenly to have 
left her. 

When she did speak, her voice was so hoarse, so ut- 
terly unlike the clear, beautiful voice she had heard be- 
fore, that Mrs. Pendennis started. 

" No. I cannot promise that,” she said. 

"Cannot? Why not?” demanded the member of 
"Knickerbocker stock,” without the slightest womanly 
feeling. 

"You do not know what you ask,” returned Stella, sit- 
ting up very straight in her chair and looking at her vis- 
itor unflinchingly. "You come to me, a lonely orphan, 
and ask me to give up the only thing which makes life 
bright to me. What are you to me, that I should con- 
sent to make myself miserable for your sake?” 

" I do not think that I clearly understand you.” 

" No, you do not understand me. Is it because love is 
a thing unknown in your world ? or because I, a member 
of a once despised profession, am deemed incapable of 
loving?” 

" Do you mean to convey that you love my son?” 


B*rELLA, THE ^TAE, 


15 


'^That is exactly what I mean. I love your son, if 
Philip Pendennis is your son, which I can hardly believe, 
with all my heart, and he loves me. Last night he asked 
me to be his wife, and will be here to-day at four for his 
answer. 

That answer must he ^ no,^ Stella Northcote.^^ 

The old woman was leaning forward now, with an ex- 
pression of intense excitement upon her face; 

My answer will be ^yes,^ madam,” corrected Stellaj 
firmly. I am sorry to enter your family without yoUr 
consent, but I cannot ruin my own life’s happiness, as 
' well as Philip’s, for any whim. If I could see that I was 
harming Philip in any way, if I could see that he was 
likely to suffer in the slightest degree from making me 
his wife, I should refuse, even though my heart broke* 
You forget, madam, that my profession is no longer re- 
garded by the world as it was years ago. Honest labor 
and intelligence have been brought to bear in the ranks, 
and we have been dragged, by the right hand of faithful 
endeavor, diligent study, quick wit, and brain cultivation, 
from the mire of social obscurity to a solid foothold of 
eminence and power. We have educated the world to 
appreciate our efforts and the grand art whose exponents 
we are. You, madam, have lived in the world, but evi- 
dently not of it. You have failed to see the improve- 
ment in men and matter. While the shroud of preju- 
dice has fallen from other shoulders, you have wrapped 
it more closely about you; the dust and cobwebs have ac- 
cumulated with years, and you come before me to-day 
and ask me to pay the price of your fidelity to first prin- 
ciples, of your— pardon me — your ignorance, and your 
injustice. I answer you frankly, madam— you demand 
too much.” 

If Mrs. Pendennis had imagined Stella Horthcote to 
be a girl who could be easily awed by her supreme grand- 
eur and vain boasting of blue blood,” she saw her 
error and changed her opinion of the beautiful actress. 
Mrs. Pendennis could be motherly enough when she 
chose, but she had clung to her old-fashioned ideas, that 
actresses were little above the brute creation, and it was 
with something like wonder, in her eagle eye, that she 
regarded Stella. 


16 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


She arose, took a chair nearer Stella and, marvel of 
marvels, laid her hand upon Stella^s own. 

I like you better for that. I can understand now 
why people speak so well of you. You are a girl whom 
every one must trust, for the tone of your voice and the 
look in your eye carry conviction. You are a dove in 
the nest of hawks. Stella Northcote, I wish it were pos- 
sible that I could sanction your marriage with my son, 
but I cannot.^’ 

Then, madam, I shall marry your son without your 
sanction, for I love him. I love him with all the pas- 
sion of my nature, which' knows no curbing or confine- 
ment. He is my all in this world and I will not give 
him up.^^ 

You must do it. You must do it for his sake. I, 
his mother, who have not a thought in life but for his 
happiness and welfare, tell you this.^^ 

There was something strangely pathetic in the aged 
face, as the aristocratic old woman bent forward and 
looked into the beautiful, determined eyes beside her; 
so pathetic, that with an impulse which she could not 
control, Stella leaned over and kissed her upon the 
cheek. 

The keen, gray eyes filled with tears. 

I believe I can convince you, by and by, that it is 
not for Philip’s good that we should part,” said Stella, 
with a tremulous smile. 

wish you could, but it cannot be. You must give 
Philip up, unless you would spoil his every prospect in 
• life, unless 3^11 would drag him to disgrace and ruin, 

■ unless you would see him miserable, heart-broken, and 
all through you.” 

Again all the color faded from the beautiful face, the 
lovely eyes grew wild and startled, the sweet lips trem- 
bled pitifully. 

^^You frighten me!” she said, shivering as one will 
from a rush of cold air on a warm day. ‘‘Is it my pro- 
fession that would bring all that upon Philip?” 

“ISTo; it is not you, it is not your profession. You 
must both suffer for another’s sake, but I ask you to bear 
the greater part, for Philip’s sake. Are you brave 
enough to do it? Are you courageous enough to give up 
your love, for your lover’s sake? If so, you will savo 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


11 


Philip. He will bless you some day and you will ever 
receive the loving gratitude of his mother/^ 

“ Madam,” cried Stella, hoarsely, understanding that 
something was moving her visitor strangely and feeling 
that there was something beyond mere prejudice in her 
words, ‘^you must explain to me what you mean. You 
speak in conundrums. 1 cannot give up my love, unless 
there is a motive stronger than anything which I can at 
present understand. You are torturing me and I be- 
seech you not to leave me longer in ignorance. Speak out, 
or if there is nothing to tell, I entreat you to allow me to 
remain in peace.” 

Listen to me, Stella,” began the old lady, after a mo- 
ment's painful pause, and heed every word to which I 
give utterance. When I came to you this moriimg I 
came to demand my son at your hands, feeling that I 
spoke to a woman whose beauty and intelligence raised 
her a trifle above the scum of the earth, but only a trifle, 
but you have changed me. It has not been your words, 
for they have been nothing more tlian could have pro- 
ceeded from the most ordinary intellect, but there is a 
strange nobility in your bearing, a total lack of guile in 
your manner, an entire absence of anything like subtlety 
or insincerity in your eyes, which shows me that you are 
a true woman, trustworthy, passionate, and generous. 

am going to prove to you that I think all this, by 
trusting you with a family secret which even my son does 
not know, and which it would kill me to have him 
know. 

‘^Philip’ has been brought up in luxury; he has never, 
in all his life, known an ungratified wish. There is no 
family in the whole city who can boast of a record so per- 
fectly clear, of an escutcheon so entirely without flaw or 
blemish, and though Philip would be the last to ever 
speak of it, he is even more proud of it than I, and any 
blot upon his name would be his death-warrant. 

""Stella Northcote, it rests with you whether that 
blow shall be dealt to Philip, or whether he shall goto his 
grave ignorant of the disgrace which hangs over his 
head. 

The old voice trembled so that Mrs. Pendenniswas per- 
force com 2 )elled to cease speaking, and if her life had de- 
pended upon it, Stella could not have articulated a word. 


STELLA, THE STaR. 

A filrii seamed to gather before her eyes, and a tight hand 
to grasp her throat. 

I am an old woman,” continued Mrs. Pendennis, 
passing her handkerchief across her eyes, and it matters 
little what happens to me, but I cannot bear to have 
ignominy reflected upon the dear old name with which 
we have been intrusted; 

You can never know how agonizing the humiliation 
is, that I must repeat this story to you; but I do it, know- 
ing that you are too generous a woman to marry my son 
when I have told you, 

Stella, my husband, the honored, respected, beloved 
Daniel Pendennis, is president of a bank, and he has un- 
lawfully appropriated the bank\s funds.” 

Mrs. Pendennis paused again, and Stella sat perfectly 
still and perfectly erect in her chair, bewildered, stunned. 

^^He became involved in financial difficulties, which 
would have ruined him, but he used the bank funds, be- 
lieving, alas! as so many believe, that it could be soon 
and easily replaced; but his speculations have proved un- 
lucky, and to-day he stands upon the threshold of the 
penitentiary. Yon, Stella Northcote, and you alone, can 
save him.” 

^‘How?” 

The word came through the cold, numb lips with such 
a dead, leaden sound that it almost frightened even her. 

''There is a young lady who would marry Philip and 
furnish the money to save his father, but Philip will 
never consent unless he thinks you are false to him.” 

"False to him! False to Philip! My love, my love, I 
could not.” 

The words came through the pale lips softly, and with 
such depths of tenderest affection that Mrs. Pendennis 
was touched more than she would have believed possible. 

" What is your love worth,” said Mrs. Pendennis, tak- 
ing her hand and stroking it softly, " if it cannot make 
a sacrifice for its object. You must make Philip believe 
that you do not love him, if you would save him from dis- 
grace.” 

" I could not. He would never believe.” 

" Where is all your boasted art, that you could not de- 
ceive him?” 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


19 


Stella leaped to her feet and paced np and down the 
floor, her heart beating madly. 

Mrs. Pendennis, 1 am an actress, but not a falsifier. 
I can depict the emotions of others, but I gannot willfully 
play traitor to the emotions of my own heart. 

Stella Northcote, do you tell me that your vaunted 
love is so poor a thing that you will allow the father of 
the man you love, an old man seventy-eight years of 
age, to be bowed down with grief and shame, to spend 
the rest of his. years within the walls of a penitentiary, 
for the sake of a sickly sentiment which contains no 
more generosity than that? Oh, Stella, I thought bet- 
ter of you than that! He is lost, poor Philip!’^ 

Mrs. Pendennis bowed her gray head and humiliating 
sobs shook her aged form. All that was good and noble 
in the suffering girl arose to the surface at once. She 
laid hand upon the bent shoulders, which seemed to have 
aged years in minutes, and while her beautiful face was 
irradiated with sacrificing love, she murmured slowly: 

'^Do not weep. Your husband shall be saved.” 

Thank God!” cried Mrs. Pendennis, seizing Stella^s 
dress in her hands, the revulsion of feeling almost over- 
coming her. I did not believe you could be so cruel.” 

flow much is the amount demanded?” asked Stella, 
hoping she might be able to furnish it. 

‘‘Five hundred thousand,” answered Mrs. Pendennis; 
then reading Stella’s thought, and knowing that it would 
be impossible for her to furnish the amount, the woman 
of high social rank fell upon her knees in front of the 
actress and sobbed aloud in her agony. 

“ It is the only way, Stella,” she said. “ See, I am on 
my knees before you, begging for my husband’s honor 
and my son’s more than life. As you are powerful, be 
merciful. Spare us this shame and disgrace. It all rests 
Avith you, Stella. In the name of humanity, in the name 
of your love^ I ask it. AVould you see Philip’s head 
bowed to the dust? Oh, girl, have pity, have pity.” 

“Eise, madam,” answered Stella, assisting her. “I 
have told you your husband shall be saved for Philip’s 
sake.” 

She placed her hands to her head and seemed to 
try to hold it, to keep it from bursting. 

“You are generous. You are noble. You are true,” 


20 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


said Mrs. Pendennis, kissing her hand, reverently. How 
can you accomplish it, for he must not know?^^ 

Oh, never fear. I can find some way to make him 
hate me, and he shall not suspect you. You have Stella 
Northcote^s word, and Stella Northcote does not lie. 
And now, madam, I must beg you to leave me, for I 
have many things to plan before Philip comes.” 

Her voice was slow and monotonous, but it did not 
break, even as she pronounced the name. 

Mrs. Pendennis removed the traces of her emotion and 
turned to Stella. 

Good-bye,” she said, unsteadily. love and honor 
you. If ever you are in need of a friend, come to me, 
and if I desert you then may God forget me. Good-bye 
again, and may Heaven bless and prosper you.” 

She kissed the cold cheek softly, then went out and 
closed the door. 

And Stella? 

She sunk down upon the floor where she had been left; 
she lay face downward upon the carpet, and, after un- 
speakable anguish, she subdued her heart, and won the 
bitterest battle that ever mortal waged. 


CHAPTER IV. 

How long Stella remained prostrate upon the floor a 
prey to the most poignant grief and crying out against 
the injustice of her cruel fate she could never remember. 
Nor could she remember what eventually aroused her 
from her consequent legarthy, but the cold water with 
which she afterward bathed her face revived her. 

Cloehette entered a few moments later, and found her 
with glowing cheeks and dancing eyes almost consumed 
with fever. 

"'Mr. Pendennis awaits you. Miss Northcote,” said 
Cloehette, respectfully. " AVhy, Miss Northcote, are you 
ill?” 

"No. Do I look ill?” 

"Very, very beautiful. But your cheeks are unusually 
crimson.” 

Stella laughed mirthlessly. Then, going to her mirror, 
she carefully arranged her hair, and entered the room 
where Philip Pendennis awaited her. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


21 


He was looking at some photographs when she stood 
before him, but he put them down, and, with a smile of 
ineffable happiness upon his handsome lips, he advanced 
to her, and, putting his arms around her, kissed her ten- 
derly. 

And she — allowed it! 

_ hj should she not? Was it not her last taste of hap- 
piness in this world? Poor child! 

How lovely you look, my darling! Come, sit beside 
me, and tell me what you have done all the long morn- 
ing.” 

He sat upon a couch and drew her down beside him, 
his arm still about her. 

^‘^What have I done?” repeated Stella, with forced 
gayety. Nothing, absolutely nothing. 

^ ‘'How strangely you look, Stella! Not like my little 
girl at all. What is it, darling?” 

" There is nothing the matter with me. Possibly I 
am a little upset. You would not believe it, Mr. Pen- 
dennis, but I have actually had four proposals by letter 
this morning, and one of them expressed his determina- 
tion to call for an answer at five to-day.” 

“Did he? Then I shall have the pleasure of giving 
him his answer. Who is he?” 

“Raoul Brownell.” 

“Raoul Brownell,” repeated Philip, in some astonish- 
ment. “ I donT like Raoul Brownell, but if ever he pro- 
posed to a woman before no one ever heard of it, and he 
is by far the wealthiest single man in New York.” 

“ Is it so wonderful, after all, that he should propose 
to me? Tell me, Philip, did you ever ask any other 
woman to be your wife?” 

A flush arose to Philipps brow, and for a moment he 
hesitated, but his answer was truthful. 

“Yes, Stella. I was engaged to a lady once, but I 
did not love her. We had a misunderstanding, and she 
gave me my freedom. I was so pleased that I never of- 
fered myself the second time when our little quarrel had 
blown over.” 

“Was she very wealthy?” 

“Yes, very.” 

“ Have you as much money, Philip, as Raoul Brown- 
ell?” 


22 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Why do you ask?” 

lie looked at her curiously, then kissed her pretty lips 
again. 

Philip, of all evils in the world, which would you 
think hardest to bear?” 

Why, what a question, under the circumstances, 
sweetheart. Can we not talk upon pleasanter themes 
tlian the ills of life?” asked Philip, laughing lightly. 

^‘But answer me,” she persisted. ‘‘Think, and an- 
swer truly.” 

“Dishonor!” he said, without a pause. 

“ Would that be worse than losing me? Think, Philip! 
Could you bear dishonor for my sake?” 

“No, Stella, not even for your sake!” he answered, 
while a frown gathered upon his clear brow. “ But thank 
God, my darling, I will never be called upon to choose 
between you and shame.” 

She smiled wearily and kissed him. 

“Suppose, Philip,” she said, not able to meet his eye, 
and leaning her head upon his slioulder to avoid it, “sup- 
pose I should tell you that I do not love you, would you 
believe me?” 

“ Suppose,” he returned, smiling brightly, “ you should 
tell me that truth is fiction, that the sun is cold, that 
the earth will never again revolve. Suppose you should 
tell me that to-morrow will be the day of resurrection, 
would I believe you? Ask me if I would insult you and 
make your position now that of a profiigate woman?” 

She shivered and drew herself quickly from his arms. 

He looked at her in surprise. 

“Stella, what h the matter with you? You are so ut- 
terly unlike yourself.” 

“ Mr. Pendennis, last night you asked me to be your 
wife, and I told you to call to-day for your answer. Are 
you ready to hear it?” 

“How extremely tragic. Yes, Stella, I am always 
ready to hear you say you love me. Shall I repeat the 
question, that you may have a better opportunity?” he 
asked playfully. 

“If you wish.” 

“Stella, will you be my wife?” with affected tearful- 
ness. 


^fELLA, filE ^TAlR. 


§3 


Do hot mock me, Philip. I am more serious than 
ever in my life before. I cannot he your wife, PhilipA^ 

“He turned deadly pale, so pale that, as Stella raised 
her eyes to his for a single moment, she thought she had 
killed him. 

“That joke is in bad taste, and unworthy of you, my 
Stella,^^ he said unsteadily, and with a forced laugh. 
“But the brief instant after you said it showed me 
how impossible it would be for me to live without you. 
DonT look at me like that, Stella; you frighten me.^^ 

She was standing before him, gazing into his eyes with 
all her soul, her hands clasped tightly, her face ghastly. 

“Does not your heart tell you,^^ she answered, slowly, 
“ that I have spoken truly? Can you not see that I am 
saying good-bye to you now, forever 

Again his face became unrecognizable in its frightful 
pallor. 

“Stella,^’ he gasped, grasping her wrist almost roughly, 
“ what do you mean by torturing me like this? Is there 
some fiendish pleasure which you derive from seeing my 
pain 

“ Philip, you are hurting me.” 

Forgive me,” he cried, kissing the delicate wrist, 
upon which his strong fingers hM rested. “ I did not 
mean to hurt you, but you see now what a brute you have 
the power of making me.” 

He strained her to his breast, and kissed her passion- 
ately. 

She returned the caress, then disengaged herself from 
his arms. 

“ That is the last, the very last in this world, Philip.” 

“ What do you mean?” he asked, hoarsely. “ Stella, 
do you love me?” 

“You know it.” 

“Then why do you speak of Mast times ^ and Mare- 
welH?” 

“ I am not fit to be your wife, Philip; I cannot bring 
shame upon you.” 

She lowered her eyes, and would not look at him for 
fear he might read her secret. 

He remained so silent for some seconds that she was 
dismayed, then he laughed, but his yoice was hard and 
grating. 


u STELLA, THE STAR. 

You bring shame to mel’^ he repeated^ ^^Why, you 
are as pure as an infant. I would not believe an angel 
fresh from heaven, that told me the reverse.^ 

I am not worthy of you, Philip* Believe me, it is 

t ru G 

1 am the best judge of that. Stop this scene, Stella,'" 
he replied, sternly. You are needlessly torturing me. 
I tell you, and you may be sure that I mean it, that I 
would not give you up, not if all the world were against 
you. You are mine." 

No, Philip, I am not, and never can be." 

lie was silent again, and when he spoke a great change 
had come over him, though not a muscle in his face had 
moved. 

Had you all this in your mind yesterday, when you 
asked me to call to-day?" he asked, with stinging sar- 
casm. 

^^No." 

*^Then what has altered your determination?" 

— I cannot tell — you." 

You shall! Do you think I am a man to be lightly 
handled? Do you think I am a man to be played with, 
then tossed aside when the freak seizes you? Stella 
Northcote, if you are a coquette, which I do not believe, 
you will find that you have played fast and loose with 
the wrong man this time. You have taken all the heart 
out of my body and you will see how a heartless man 
can act. But then! Of course you are not serious, 
and I am speaking like a frenzied fool. I love you, 
Stella, love you with my entire soul, and only seeing 
you belong to another, would ever make me give you 
up." 

In an instant her resolution was taken, and she paused 
not to think of the long years of misery she was bring- 
ing upon herself, which might have so easily been avoided 
by the exertion of a little bravery and fortitude. 

You will see that, Philip. See how unworthy I am 
of your love and trust. Even now Eaoul Brownell 
should be here. You shall hear my answer to his pro- 
posal of marriage." 

You would not do the cruel thing you suggest, you 
could not! It would ruin me, body and soul. Think, 
Stella! For God's sake, think what you contemplate 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


25 


doing. That man is a drunkard and a roue. Do not, 
in the name of humanity, condemn yourself to a life of 
wretchedness, even if you have no pity for me. You 
must not do it, you shall not!^^ 

‘^Mr. Brownell r 

The door was thrown open, the name announced, the 
man entered, the servant retired and closed the door. 

Seeing the peculiar positions of the parties, Brownell 
remained mute, and the three looked at each other in 
silence. 

He was a man of massive build, particularly strong 
and well-built, a magnificent specimen of animal man- 
hood. His mouth was wide, his lips thick and sensual, 
his jaw square cut, powerful and determined. His eyes 
were steel gray, his hair a light, almost red, brown. 

^^Mr. Brownell,'’^ said Stella, when she could find her 
voice, and speaking rapidly lest her courage should fail 
her, I received a letter from you this morning, and I 
presume you have come for its answer. 

He bowed in silence, utterly unable to understand. 

My reply is that I shall be glad to become your wife.^’ 

Tlie extraordinary scene upset his accustomed sang 
froid ; but he soon recovered himself, and, advancing, 
took her hand silently and raised it to his lips. 

Stella!” cried Pendennis, in a hoarse, strident voice. 

With eyes flaming and breath coming thick and fast, 
he advanced, his hands clinched; but, before he could 
reach Brownell, some sudden emotion overcame him, and, 
throwing up his hands, he fell before them, apparently- 
as lifeless as though he had been struck down by a thun- 
derbolt. 

Seeing what she bad done, all the gentle, womanly 
nature of the girl arose at once. 

^‘Philip, my love!” she cried, and would have thrown* 
herself across his body, but Brownell interfered. 

My promised wife has no right to play melodrama 
over my fallen rival and her discarded lover,” he said, 
quietly, with a deadly sort of glitter in his gray eyes. 


26 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


CHAPTER V. 

There are many liouses in the metropolis exactly like, 
or very similar to, No. — Fifty-Second Street on the out- 
side, but for delicate, refined elegance its equal on the in- 
terior would be difficult to find. 

The furniture was of the most costly rosewood and 
mahogany, trimmed with heavy brasses and solid silver, 
the floors were of hard wood and inlaid with matchless 
art, over which Turkish, Persian, and Oriental rugs were 
thrown with careless grace. The drapings were plentiful 
and consisted of finest silk plush and costly lace. The 
Iric-a-lrac was of fabulous value — Sevres vases, magnifi- 
cent ornaments in bisque, Florentine bronzes, terra- 
cotta; and the walls were lined with pictures by such 
artists as Raphael, Titians, Messonier, and the old Ital- 
ian masters. The silver table-service was the finest in 
the whole country, and had been in the family for gen- 
erations, some of it crested with royal arms in the time 
of William the Conqueror, pieces which, like people, had 
grown useless with age, but were preserved and guarded 
for their antiquity and the tale they told of ancestors of 
noble blood. 

The mistress of this mansion sat in her own boudoir, 
dressed in a robe of old rose crepe, embroidered in seed 
pearls. 

Her beautiful, bronze-gold hair was loosened and fell 
over the back of her luxurious chair in natural waves and 
curls. Her rounded arms, from which the loose sleeves 
had fallen back, were raised above her head, shining 
like polished marble in the delicately tinted light of the 
‘ room. The purple eyes were closed, leaving the long, 
dark lashes resting upon cheeks the color of the lining of 
conch shells. Her dainty feet were raised upon an em- 
broidered stool. A late magazine, with uncut leaves, 
lay in her lap, and by her side, upon a table of onyx and 
gilt, was a jeweled paper-cutter and a fan of long ostrich 
plumes. 

This woman, beautiful beyond description, known to 
the public as Stella North cote, was Mrs. Raoul Brownell. 

If you please, Mrs. Brownell, Mr. Earlscourtis down, 
stairs, and wishes to see you/" 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


27 


Bring him here/’ Clochette/’ cried the lovely vision. 

It is more comfortable than that big barn of a drawing- 
room.” 

Her maid bowed and left her, returning with a tall, 
manly, handsome fellow, with hair the color of ripe chest- 
nuts and eyes of a dark, almost black brown. 

^^Ted!” exclaimed Stella, springing up and extending 
both hands when her maid had retired and closed the 
door, “ I am so glad to see you again. How do you do? 
and how have you been? and how is everybody?” 

Haven’t gotten over your old propensity, I see, Stel, 
of asking a dozen questions in a breath; but I’m awfully 
glad to see you, just the same. Hid you get in last 
night?” 

Yes. The odious train was about ^ steen hours ’ late, 
as usual, but we finally pulled up in Jersey City; and 
after about an hour’s buffeting about in a hideous hired 
cab, I was dumped out here.” 

Oh, Stel, Stel! Is our head at last becoming en- 
larged, old girl ? I remember a time when you and I used 
to take rides in those same hideous hired cabs, and 
thought it great fun. I recall one time when we had a 
horse so thin that every rib could be easily counted, and 
the driver had to beat the poor animal with the butt end 
of his whip to make him move at all.” 

^‘Do you suppose I forget it? I think those were the 
happiest days of my life,” answered Stella, with a sigh. 
^^But, there! Don’t let us talk upon that subject, or I 
shall get a fit of the blues. Let me tell you about my 
trip. It has been something beautiful. I have scored a 
tremendous hit wherever 1 have appeared, and am a 
greater favorite than ever all over the country. I remain 
here eights weeks now; and, though I have enjoyed the 
change, I am delighted to get home, Ted, I can tell you, 
for I am tired. It has been hard work.” 

"MVhy do you remain on the stage, Stel? You are 
rich enough, the Lord knows, and famous. Why don’t 
you retire on your laurels? I wonder that his Koyal 
Highness Prince Eaoul allows you to remain.” 

^Allows’ is not a word which is ever used between 
Kaoul and me. We are a most model husband and wife, 
I assure you. Sometimes he becomes a trifie obstreper- 
ous, and dictates; but I assume one of my penny tragedy 


28 


STELLA, THE STaR. 

airs, and 'sit down’ on him. Yon see, I have not forgotten 
my slang. Raonl tells me it is my plebeian, mounte- 
bank blood which crops out now and then; but I think, 
if I tried, I could trace my ancestry back to the time 
when the Bible was taught by acting, and we have all 
been in the same profession ever since, which is more 
than he can say. Give up the stage, you say, Ted! 
Why, I should break down and become toothless and 
gray in a month. ' It is the life I love, but fools would 
fly from it.’ No, Ted, I could give up my home, my 
husband, my wealth, even my friends, and live on un- 
cared for and alone;’ but not my profession. It is the 
^life of my life, soul of my soul.’” 

"Stel, I don’t believe you love Raoul Brownell.” 

" You should not grow personal, my dear friend; it is 
impolite. I should have thought 'play-acting’ would 
have taught you that.” 

" Why did you marry him, Stella?” 

" Have you eyes to see and ears to hear? Look around 
you. The fatal, irresistible tide is hourly advancing and 
every wave is red with — gold. Look about and see what 
you see, Ted. Gold or its equivalent. Go down on 
Wall Street and hear what men of business and finance 
say of Raoul Brownell’s increasing fortune. Raoul is a 
handsome man, he is a rich man, and he leaves me my 
beloved profession.” 

" That is not the reason you married him, Stella. I 
have heard you too often express your disgust for girls 
who sold themselves for gold. I know you too well, 
Stella.” 

"You don’t know me at all, Ted. I am the most 
changed woman under the sun. Let me see, how long 
have I been married? Just two months and yet I am 
completely metamorphosed.” 

" Why did you not marry Phil Pendennis, Stel?” 

For the space of a minute there Avas dead silence in the 
room. Ted Earlscourt saw that he had stepped on deli- 
cate ground, but he and Stella were old friends and he 
desired to help her if he could. 

" He is a rattling good fellow and was awfully fond of 
you. They say that when you married Brownell in so 
off-hand a manner that he went off his head for awhile 
and they had to keep him confined.” 


STELLA, THE STAE, 


29 


Stella langliecl, but it had a discordant^ forced sound 
and her face was deadly pale. 

No doubt he has forgotten it now. Two months is a 
long time, and I hear he is wonderfully attentive to Miss 
Delmer.^’ 

I donT believe it. I saw him on the street yester- 
day and he looks awfully cut up. They say he fainted 
in your room, at tlie Albemarle, Stel, and you had him 
carted home. Is that true?’^ 

He fainted in my room, yes, and when we could not 
do anything with him, 1 telegraphed his mother. She 
had him ^ carted home,^ as you call it.^^ 

And he was raving in delirium when you married 
and went away. Oh, Stella! 1 used to think you were 
in love with him, which kept me from trying to win you 
myself. Why didnT you marry him, Stella?^' 

‘^DonTbean idiot, Ted. You know even the Mor- 
mons doiiT allow a woman the liberty of having two hus- 
bands at the same time, and I could not resist KaouTs 
ducats. I havenT that much strength of mind, you 
know. Now let us talk about something else. How 
have you been getting along? Left me, you rascal, to go 
with Barrett. Are you tired of him?” 

You know I only did it so that I would not have to 
leave the city. It nearly breaks my poor old mother^s 
heart to have me leave her. Sometimes I think of giving 
up the stage on her account.” 

^‘Nonsense. We couldnT get along without you. Be- 
sides, you would be unhappy,” 

Stella, I have a favor that I want you to do me. 
Will you?” 

I thought it was always women who asked people to 
promise blindly. I see men are no better. What is it, 
Ted?” 

I found a poor little miserable girl the other day, and 
I want you to help me look after her. Let me tell you 
something about it lirst, before you answer. About a 
week ago I was way down-town, looking around among 
pawnbrokers and curiosity dealers for an historical dag- 
ger that I wanted as a ^ prop,^ when I came across a child 
sitting on the curbstone crying. Well, she was a sight! 
^ Good-for-Nothing Nan ^ wasnT a circumstance. She 
had been gathering rags and a lot of other trash out of 


80 STELLA, THE STAU. 

tlie barrels on the sidewalk, and was the biggest rag her- 
self of the whole lot. Her hair — well, it was the black- 
est hair that ever I saw, blacker than the blackest bottle' 
of AVorden^s ink that was ever made, and hung all over 
her, looking as if it had never seen a comb in the world. 
She was digging her dirty little fists in her eyes with all 
her might, and her face was one smear from hair to chin. 

‘ AVhat is the matter, little one?’ said I. She looked up 
at me, and I tell you frankly, Stella, that she had the 
face of an angel. With the exception of yours, I never 
saw such a beautiful face in all my life. Her eyes are 
those big Oriental affairs that one reads about, but seldom 
sees, and are as black as her hair. When I spoke to her 
she leaped to her feet and put on a hat, which would 
have done credit to a full-fledged American cowboy. 

“ Her dress was as ragged as— as — well, you know I 
am a bad hand at a simile, but it couldn’t have been 
^raggeder.’ There! That is a new word for your dic- 
tionary. When I asked her what made her cry, she an- 
swered: 

'I am hungry and tired and cold, and that’s matter 
enough, ain’t it?’ looking me in the eyes very steadily 
and looking awfully pretty. 

"'‘Quite enough,’ I answered. "Why don’t you go 
home?’ 

"" " ’Cause I’d get licked, and that would only make me 
cry more.’ 

""I asked her to go with me to a restaurant, and told 
her I would get her something to eat. She went readily 
enough, and while she was eating she told me her story. 
She had been brought up by some drunken old harridan, 
and had been made to work like a dog, and had been 
beaten and starved ever since she could remember. First 
they made her beg. Then she used to sing in the streets; 
but a few days ago she contracted such a heavy cold that 
she could not sing, and they forced her to pick the ash 
barrels. She told her story so simply and pitifully that — 
you know what a soft-hearted fool I am— it made me cry, 
and she looked at me as though she thought I had sud- 
denly gone mad. Then I asked her to go home with me 
to my mother. I was a long time in persuading her, be- 
cause she was afraid they would find her and kill her; 
but she finally consented. Mother, of course, was horri- 


STELLAy THE STAR, 


31 


fled at first, and she has not entirely gotten over it, for I 
actually believe she fears that some time I might fall in 
love with her. Well, of all the pig-headed, inflexible, 
stubborn girls that ever were put on this earth, that mite 
lays over the deck. She has taken it into her head that 
she must work and be independent, and I am afraid 
shefll run away if I don’t let her do it. Now, what am I 
to do with her, Stella? i (ion’t know any more than the 
dead what to put her at.” 

^^How old is she?” asked Stella, with a thoughtful 
look upon her pretty face. 

About sixteen, I guess; but she is the tiniest little 
morsel that ever I saw.” 

Why don’t you put her on the stage?” 

‘^Lord bless you, she don’t know enough.” 

It’s a good school.” 

Yes, I know. But I don’t believe anybody would 
have her. She’d have to go in for general utility, and 
I don’t think she’d amount to anything as an actress.” 

I’ll take her if you like and see what can be done. I 
am going to put on ^ Led Astray ’ in a week or two, and 
she can try the maid’s part. It is only two or three 
lines.” 

How kind of you, Stella. I know it will be a real 
relief to mother, for she is frightened to death when a 
petticoat comes near me for feai^of my marrying, never 
thinking that I could possibly be rejected.” 

Bring her in to-morrow, Ted, and I’ll see what can 
be done for her.” 

^^All right, dear, but don’t expect to see much, for 
she is about the tartest-looking customer in her clothes 
that ever you saw. Mother is too old to get out much 
and the selections have been left pretty much to her. 
I’ve got to go now, Stel. You are awfully good to me, 
old girl, to help me in this affair, and I hope to do as 
much for you some day. I was in a terrible hole, I tell 
you.” 

He arose as he spoke, and stood before her six feet of 
as handsome manhood as one could find. 

What a good-hearted fellow you are, Ted. If I were 
not married, I think I should be inclined to be a trifle 
jealous of your heroine of the ash -barrel.” 

‘^If you were not married, there is no woman on earth 


33 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


who could attract me from you for half a second. Ah, 
Stel, I believe you would have been happy with me, dear 
— liappier than you are now, notwithstanding all this 
gorgeousness. Of course, it is too late; but don^t you 
agree with me?^^ 

She stood beside him, and laid her beautiful hand upon 
his shoulder. 

I love you, Ted, as I would love my brother if I had 
one, and will always love you the same way. I was noth- 
ing of a flirt in my girlhood; but I am afraid I have 
changed somewhat since I have been a wife. It should 
have been the other way, shouldiiT it? I tell you this be- 
cause I happen to be in an humble mood, and I would 
not give you pain for all the world. Eemember what I 
have said to you, Ted, and if ever I am tempted to allow 
you to make love to me unreproved, think of it, dear, 
and donT believe me.” 

^^You are not happy, Stella,” he said, placing his arm 
around her tenderly. Won't you trust me, dear, and 
tell me what it is?” 

She laid her head upon his arm for a moment and 
sobbed. 

He drew her closely to him and kissed her bright hair 
lightly. 

At the same moment a knock sounded upon the door, 
and without waiting for permission, Eaoul Brownell 
entered his wife's boudoir. 


CHAPTEE VI. 

Eaklscourt had just time to withdraw his arm from 
Stella's waist, when her husband entered the apartment. 
But even then the situation was compromising, for Stel- 
la's eyes were wet with tears and they were standing in 
extremely close proximity. 

How do you do, Brownell,” exclaimed Earlscourt, 
endeavoring by affected pleasure at seeing him, to cover 
the awkwardness of his position. ‘"You see I utilized 
my first opportunity in calling upon you and your wife.” 

“ I see,” answered Brownell curtly, and shaking hands 
coldly, then turning to his wife, he asked with badly 
concealed sarcasm, “Are you ill, Stella? or in pain?” 

“ Heither,” she replied, shortly. . 


STELLA, THE STAR. 38 

Would it be in bad taste for me to ask the cause of 
your tears 

I was telling your wife the story of a little girl whom 
I have recently adopted, after a manner, interrupted 
Earlscoiirt, calmly, “and it affected her. She has prom- 
ised, with your permission, to assist me with my charge.’^ 

Brownell bowed. 

“I never interfere with my wife^s charities, ’Mi e an- 
swered, icily. “She does exactly as she likes.” 

“ I was about taking my leave when you entered,” con- 
tinued Earlscourt. “ Will we see you at the Lotus to- 
night after the performance?” 

“ Ko. I have announced a small impromptu dinner at 
Delmonico’s to-night at twelve. I just came to inform 
my wife of it. There will be only a few people as it is so 
hurriedly arranged, and I can hardly say who they will be, 
as there is little time for ^ regrets,’ and most every one 
will be engaged. Will you favor us?” 

There was no warmth or cordiality in the invitation, 
on the contrary, it said plainly, “ have the goodness to 
decline,” but Earlscourt, if he saw it, did not choose to 
heed. 

“ I shall be most happy,” he answered graciously, ut- 
terly ignoring Brownell’s stiffness. “And now I must 
bid you both mi revoir.” 

He shook hands with them, and was about to take his 
departure. 

“I say, Ted,” exclaimed Stella in defiance of her hus- 
band’s contracted brows, “bring that protegee oi yours 
along. It is not a ^ stag,’ is it, Baoul?” 

“ Of course not.” 

“Then bring her, Ted, will you? Her freshness may 
relieve the tedium.” 

“ It is kind of you to ask her. If she will consent, 1 
shall be glad to take her, but she is so extremely diffident 
that I am afraid she will refuse. You wouldn’t believe 
that a street arab could be, but ^’tis true, ’tis pity, and 
pity ’tis ’tis true.’ Again good-bye. Don’t trouble to 
come or have me shown to the door. I like to preserve 
my Bohemianism even in the palace of a queen.” 

He laughed lightly, closed the door, and was gone. 

Kaoul Brownell turned to his wife with a thunder cloud 
on his handsome face. 


84 


STELLAy THE STAR. 

Perhaps, now that we are alone, yon will condescend to 
explain to me the meaning of that little emotional farce 
in which you were indulging when I entered. 

‘"Keally, my dear Kaoul, you must become better ac- 
quainted with theatrical terms before you indulge in them.^ 
My brain is usually quick, but ^ emotion^ and ^ farce 
are two such opposite terms that, when used together, i 
grope in vain for their meaning.^^ ^ 

Very well, I will speak in plain English. Why were 

you posing before that d d harlequin when I came in? 

What was the meaning of your tears? I want you to un- 
derstand once for all, that I will not have you flirting 
with ev^ery Tom, Dick and Harry who happens to look 
at you. Your conduct ever since I married you has been 
disgraceful, and now you culminate it by receiving cast- 
off lovers in your boudoir. That man shall come hero 
no more.'' 

Stella crossed her arms upon her breast and stood be- 
fore him, drawing herself up to her full height, which 
measured about five feet six. 

My dear Kaoul," she said slowly, lior purple eyes be- 
coming ominously dark, am noted among my friends 
for my. serenity of temper, but you are presuming too far. 
Ted Earlscourt is my old and valued friend, and to begin 
at the tag end of your exceedingly ill-timed and tuned 
remarks, he shall come here just as often as he likes. 
If you are master of this house, I am mistress, and have 
equal rights. I am not dependent upon you and I shall 
do precisely as I like, regardless of your wishes. I am 
weary of your endless jealousies. You have insulted me 
and i brook that from no man. I do not wish to quarrel 
with you — first, because it is fatiguing, and secondly, be- 
cause it is exceedingly vulgar. This room is mine and I 
shall receive in it precisely whom I please. I made no 
magniloquent boasts of my unalterable and undying love 
for you. You married me because I was famous and 
beautiful and you knew men would envy you your posses- 
sion. I married you-7-weli, because you offered a good 
setting for the jewel. We have both got what we bar- 
gained for, and there is no reason why we should make 
ourselves any more miserable than the forfeit of life de- 
mands. But understand me once and for all, I neither 
ask nor desire to know how you pass your time, and I dq 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


35 


not propose to be spied upon by yon. If I die first, I 
will return to you your name, at least, as untarnished as 
when I received it. If you are not satisfied there is al- 
ways the divorce court. I have made you a long speech, 
but I think I have defined our positions. 

You have spoken,'^ returned Raoul, calmly, but with 
passion at white heat, as I might have expected from a 
woman of your antecedents. I shall not endeavor to ar- 
rest your do.wnward course again, but I will not have my 
name dragged through the mire by you. I will put you 
out of the way first.'’^ 

^^Ned Buntline ought to know you, my dear,^^ re- 
turned Stella, shrugging her beautiful shoulders. You 
would make a capital heavy villain in a dime novel. 

At that moment a knock sounded upon the door and 
Clochette entered. 

Your carriage is at the door, madame,^'’ she said, 
softly. 

‘^^Yery well, Clochette,” answered Stella, serenely. 
^^See if my fiowers have arrived, then come and dress 
me.” 

Clochette bowed and withdrew. 

I am going to try my new bays in the park this after- 
noon, Raoul. Will you come with me?” she continued, 
as though only tlie white fiag had been waving. 

Certainly,” he answered, lighting a cigar and prepar- 
ing to enjoy himself in his own way. ^‘^I am not desirous 
of flaunting my domestic tiffs. in the faces of my friends. 
Do you object to my cigar?” 

No, of course not; but I am going to dress now, and 
would feel grateful if you will wait for me in the draw- 
ing-room or smoking-room.” 

Raoul bowed and left her. 

About two hours afterward a horseman dashed up in 
front of another brown stone mansion on Fifth Avenue, 
and, throwing his bridle to his groom, rushed into the 
house and to his mothers private sitting-room. 

He entered without knocking and stood before her, 
pale and disheveled, utterly unlike his usual nonchalant, 
debonair self. 

^^They have come, and I saw them together in the 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


36 

park/^ lie cried, flinging himself into a chair and cover- 
ing his white face with his shaking hands. 

‘^Who? What? What is the matter, Pliilip, and 
what are you talking about?^’ asked his mother, starting 
up in alarm. 

^'Stella and that coxcomb of a husband of hers,^^ 
groaned Philip. 

^^So she has returned, has she?” asked his mother, 
after several moments of silence. Does she play here?” 

Yes. Opens to-night at the Fifth Avenue. I knew 
that, and had already bought a box for the season; but to 
run across her unexpectedly completely upset me. I can 
never bear it, mother. My heart is broken. If it liad 
not been for that cursed delirium I might have prevented 
her selling herself to that coward and idiot. But it is 
done now. I thought I had schooled myself pretty well; 
but when I saw his confounded smile of possession to-day, 
I believe I should have gone mad if I had not run my 
horse with all force straight home. She did not see me, 
I think, but he did, and bowed in his most careless man- 
ner. She loved me, I know she did, but she sold herself 
to him because he possessed more gold.” 

He wound up with an awful groan, and buried his 
head in his mother’s lap. 

‘^Philip,” she said, chiding him affectionately, her 
own voice trembling with emotion, ‘^ you are acting like 
a schoolboy. I never gave you credit for so little bravery. 
She has thrown you over; why not show her that you do 
not care? Foolishly as you are acting, you will only give 
that man cause to gloat over you.” 

I will kill him, curse him,” cried Philip, rising and 
striding up and down the floor. Love turns us all into 
schoolboys, when we love truly, and I worshiped that 
woman. But she shall not think that I care. Don’t be 
afraid of that.” 

‘"Why not marry Winifred Delmer now, Philip, and 
show her that you are cured of your infatuation?” asked 
the old diplomatist. 

‘"I am not such a scoundrel as that. I will never ask 
any woman to accept what is not mine to give. If Stella 
Northcote is never my wife, I swear that no woman ever 
shall be.” 

Philip, Philip, of what are you speaking? Stella 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


B7 

Kortlicote is married, and if slie were not, surely you 
would not marry her now/^ 

Yes, I would,^^ he returned, passionately. 1 would 
marry her if I had to count up dollar for dollar with an- 
other man who was a purchaser in the field. That shows 
you how far my madness has gone. I love her, love her 
and would buy her with gojd before I would accept an- 
other woman’s idolatrous love. What think you of 
that?” 

I think you are an idiot, if you wish me to speak 
plainly. 'J’o marry Winifred is a debt you owe her. Re- 
member how she saved yonr father’s bank from going 
under, at the risk of all her fortune. It would have 
broken your father’s heart, and we should have been 
ruined.” 

I can’t help it, mother. I will marry no woman. I 
cannot. Don’t harass me about it now. I am in no 
humor.” 

Are you going to see her play to-night?” 

^‘Yes.” 

What does she play?” 

Camille.” 

I never saw the inside of a theater in my life, Philip. 
Will you take me to see this play to-night?” 

He looked at her incredulously. 

'MVhat!” he exclaimed, in surprise. ^^You really 
wish it? I suppose it is because you desire to see what 
manner of woman this is, who has power to make of 
you^ son a raver and a fool. Very well, you shall go. 
Ask AVinifred to go with us. You will no longer wonder 
at my misery.” 

‘^The mail, madam,” announced Mrs. Pendennis’ 
maid, entering. 

She laid it upon a table and retired. 

Mrs. Pendennis handed Philip a letter. 

Only one for you by this post,” 

He opened it, and an exclamation of amazement es- 
caped his lips. 

AVhat is it?” asked his mother. 

Listen to this!” he cried, in excitement. ^^Did you 
ever hear sucli impertinence. 'Dear Pendennis,— I am 
expecting a few friends to dine with me to-night at twelve 
at Delmonico’s. Entirely informal and impromptu. 


38 STELLA, THE STAU. 

Will 3'ou come? My wife will be pleased to renew an old 
acquaintance, and I to welcome an old friend. Always 
the same. Brownell.’^" 

"'Of course you will ignore it, said Mrs. Pendennis, in 
apprehension. 

" Of course I shall do nothing of the kind,'' answered 
Philip, his face pale and distoi ted with passion. "" I shall 
see Stella Northcote play to-night, and I shall dine with 
Mr. and Mrs. Eaoul Brhwnell after the performance. 


CHAPTEK VII. 

The green curtain which screened the drop of the 
Fifth Avenue Theater was slowly raised, and the or- 
chestra took their seats and began an overture from 
" La Traviata." The house was packed with the wealth 
and beauty of the town, all gathered together to do 
homage to the fair queen of the emotional drama. 

"What a superb house! It seems that the whole city 
has turned out in full force to-night." 

The words were addressed by a pretty, delicate-looking, 
high-bred girl to Philip Pendennis, who stood behind her 
chair, his face as pale as death, his dark eyes glowing 
like stars. 

He scarcely seemed to hear her, but looked, with eyes 
that saw nothing, over the gathered throng. 

His mother put out her hand and touched him. 

" Philip," she said, "Philip, calm yourself." 

He smiled vaguely at her and retained his position until 
the curtain arose upon the first act. 

Philip Pendennis could have told nothing of the stage 
setting, he was watching the center door, with his very 
soul in his eyes, the door through which he knew she 
would shortly appear, she who was more than all the world 
to him. 

Nichette and Nanine never seemed so dull, and He 
Varville was maddening in his stupidity. 

Then she came! 

His blood seemed to become suddenly torpid and in- 
active, a film gathered before his eyes, and he called all 
his resolution to his aid to prevent his falling. 

The audience cheered and cheered, until it seemed that 


STELLA, THE STAR. 39 

the .very boards of the stout old floor were becoming loos- 
ened. 

She threw her cloak upon the back of a chair, advanced 
to the fire, and drawing off her gloves threw them care- 
lessly upon the mantel, bowing her thanks to the audience. 

She did not look toward the box which contained the 
Pendennis party, and Philip had time to fully recover 
himself. He bent with great imioressement over Miss 
Delmer, seeming to be oblivious to everything but her 
charms, but in reality losing not one word that fell from 
the lips of the beautiful actress, nor not one move of her 
serpentine grace. 

She turned her eyes to look at He Varville. 

He had given her cue, and she responded readily enough, 
the words which she had spoken hundreds of times be- 
fore: 

^ Monsieur de Varville, I am at liberty to love whom 
I please.^ 

Then she caught sight of Philip, for the first time since 
the day upon which she dealt herself what she feared 
would be her death-blow, and he had fallen at her feet. 

He had been whispering something to Miss Delmer, 
and raised his eyes with a half sneer to the face of the 
actress. 

The remainder of the speech left her, and for one mo- 
ment she stood, with open mouth, gazing at him. She 
staggered, and through all her rouge grew livid. Then, 
with a superhuman effort, she pulled herself together, and 
went on. 

Camille never was before, and never will be again, 
played as Stella Horthcote played it that night. There 
was a vehement, a fervid, impassioned, burning intensity 
about it, which made the spectators draw their breath al- 
most in bewilderment. The fire seemed to scorch them, 
her love for Armand seemed to blister their souls with its 
torrid heat. They forgot the play, and wept at the heroic 
martyrdom of the noble-hearted, though guilty, woman. 

Even Philip forgot the part for which he had cast 
himself, and was enthralled by the actress'' wonderful art 
which concealed and yet revealed the crushed, bruised, 
bleeding soul of the woman. 

Her scene with Dnval was the consummation of 
dramatic skill. Eealizing the close resemblance between 


40 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


it and one in which she had participated, Mrs. Pendennis 
drew back in her box, and with dilated eyes and quiver- 
ing, gasping breath, watched the scene. 

As it progressed, her hands clinched tightly, her face 
became rigid and set, her lips were drawn in a straight 
line. She bore it bravely, until with a burst of such 
agony as only comes from the reality of a tortured, broken 
heart, Camille gave utterance to the words: 

“Ah, fear nothing! He will hate me! I will teach 
him. I know how; for I have taught myself.'’^ 

The old face relaxed, a heavy groan of mortal anguish 
escaped from the old lips, but the younger companions 
were so engrossed that they heard not. She clasped her 
hands over her heart and waited, seeming to strain her 
very life to catch the girl’s next words. She heard them 
coming from lips which seemed to have become numb 
and cold from excess of feeling. They hesitated and 
stiffened over the words as though her hearPs blood wore 
being wrung from her. 

^MVhen the heart that now is breaking lies pulseless 
in the grave — when the world records my very virtues to 
my blame — when Armandos voice shall rise with curses 
on my memory — tell him — Oh! tell him how I loved 
him.^^ 

With a long, shivering sigh, the old lady staggered to 
her feet. Her face was ghastly, her nostrils distended. 
She caught her son’s arm in a grasp like iron. 

“ Take me away!” she cried out in her agony. “ I can 
bear it no longer. Quick! quick, or I shah die!” 

Philip sprung to his feet and threw his arm about his 
mother, none too soon, for in another moment conscious- 
ness had left her. 

He carried her to the rear of the box and laid her upon 
a sofa. 

Quietly they worked over her, he and Miss Delmer, but 
it was a long swoon. 

“I should not have allowed her to come to see this of 
all plays,” whispered Philip to Miss Delmer. “ She never 
was in a theater before, and I ought to have known how 
it would affect her.” 

They bathed her face in ice water, and after a time she 
sat up. 


STELLA, THE STAB. 


41 


3^011 go now, mother P’^'isked Philip, tenderly. 

wdl support you.’’ 

‘^les, yes,” she whispered, feverishly. Take me 
now.” 

She arose unsteadily to her feet, and fascinated by the 
play as a moth is drawn to the candle which consutfies it, 
she stepped to the front of the box once more. The cur- 
tain was just about to fall. The closing words of the act 
reached her, seeming to parch her heart with a signifi- 
cance of prophecy: 

Father, my heart is shattered.” 

She choked back a terrible cry as the curtain rolled 
down, and turning, laid her hand upon her son^s arm, 
and he led her from the house. 

They left Miss Delmer at her own door, and proceeded 
home. 

DoiiT leave me, Philip,” cried hiS mother, clutching 
his arm nervously as he placed her in her armchair and 
was about to leave her with her maid. You may go, 
Louise, and return when I ring.” 

You must not agitate yourself like this, dear,” said 
Philip, soothing her. ‘^Eemember it was only a play.” . 

Only a play!” she repeated, shuddering. Yes, I do 
remember. She is a beautiful woman, Philip.” 

She was watching him narrowly. His eyes filled with 
tears, and he turned his head aside. 

Very,” he replied, briefiy. 

Oh, Philip, do you love her as that man in the play 
did that woman? Tell me, my son! Or does your feel- 
ing pale before that other, which scorched his very 
being?” 

There are no words on earth which could express my 
love for Stella,” he answered, in a hollow voice. 

'^And suppose, Philip — suppose,” she continued, 
rising and resting her hand on his shoulder, ‘^that some 
one should part you from one you loved as that man’s 
father did him from Camille, what would you do?” 

"'I could not kill my father, but i would never look 
uj)on his face again. I should despise a man who could 
so far forget the passions of a heart as to separate me 
from a woman I loved because of a paltry pride. There 
is nothing which could excuse it.” 

A sob, bitter and broken, interrupted him. 


455 


STELLA, THE StAE. 

^'Bnt I rave/^ he said, with a short laugh. ^^Stella^s 
marriage has not lessened my love. Slie has lost my re- 
spect, but it only shows what fools men are who assert 
that there is no love without respect. You are nervous 
and upset. Let me go now that you may retire. 

^‘One moment. Are you going to accept of Kaoul 
Brownell’s hospitality to-night?” 

(( Yes.” 

Philip, do not!” 

^MVhy?” 

^^It is not right. Would you so wrong a man, know- 
ing that you loved his wife?” 

He did not hesitate to buy her, knowing that she 
loved me,” he returned bitterly. 

But you go there as his friend, my son. Think of 
how dishonorably you will act.” 

He invites me to flaunt his gain in my face, and he 
shall And that he is attacking the wrong man.” 

She is his now, Philip. Oh, my darling, remember 
that!” cried his mother frantically. 

^‘Do you think I ever forget it? I am a fool, I know. 
She is not worthy of one thought from an honest man, 
but I love her. I am going to be her husband’s guest to- 
night, and I will win her from him if it costs me my 
life. His gold bought her, and a superior amount can 
buy her back for me. If not Bah! we shall see!” 

He kissed his mother lightly, and strode from the 
room. 

When he had left her she crouched down before the 
fire, and held her withered hands closely over the bright 
blaze. 

""I have mined her life and his,” she murmured 
hoarsely. Euined them for a few paltry dollars, and 
what will be the result? He thinks she sold herself. 
Ah! if he only knew that his mother sold them both! 
But he must not, shall not! Now, what will he do? He 
is like a madman. He is mad, mad with grief and pain 
and love. 0 God! if I could only know! If I could only 
look into the future and seel” 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


43 


CHAPTER VIII. 

The sweet breath of flowers made heavy the atmos- 
phere of the rooms set apart for Raoul BrownelPs guests 
at Delmonico^s. 

He and his wife had been left there by their magnifi- 
cent landau; and on going to the room arranged tempo- 
rarily as a dressing-room for ladies, she found a gorgeous 
stand of flowers awaiting her. 

The peculiarity of the design attracted her attention. 
It was about five feet high, and represented a mirror 
resting upon a stand, composed of pure white camellias. 
It was evidently intended as an illustration of “ holding 
the mirror up to nature,^* for reflected from it, on a back- 
ground of dead black, was a large heart of red camellias, 
the lower one being crushed and bruised. It was held in 
place by heavy golden chains, and underneath was pen- 
ciled, in red letters: Amour fait beaucoup, mais argent 
fait tout."’"* 

She looked at it long and earnestly, the significance 
being only too apparent; then she discovered the card at- 
tached to it by a broken chain, which had been relinked 
by a heavy band of gold, studded with precious stones. 
It bore the simple name, in his own writing, ‘‘Philip 
Pendennis/'’ 

“ What does it mean?” she cried out, in her passionate 
pain. “The heart fettered by chains of gold I can un- 
derstand, but the one relinked I do not. Does Philip 
Pendennis mean to insult me? No. He would be com- 
pelled to love me still to take pleasure in that, and he 
must despise me. Not more than I do myself, however. 
Oh, God, it is horrible! For another’s sin I have lost 
him, I have lost love, but, what is more potent still, I 
have lost my own self-respect. I am a thing which I 
have always abhorred; but I must forget.” 

“ Stella, your guests are arriving!” 

It was Raoul’s voice which aroused her from her rev- 
erie before the flower-stand. She arose wearily from the 
chair into which she had sunk, and detached the card. 
She placed it in the bosom of her elegant gown of pure 


* Love accomplishes much, but money everything. 


44 STELLA, THE STAR. 

wliite India silk and point lace> and went into the next 
room. 

She found Ted Earlscourt and his protegee awaiting 
her. 

The child was an extraordinary combination of street 
waif and refinement. 

Her face was of the clear, cold, classical order. Tiiere 
was not a particle of color, save in the warm, tremulous 
lips. Her complexion was transparent, her features per- 
fect, her eyes wonderful for their size and brilliancy and 
shaded by long, sweeping, black lashes. 

Altogether it was a face Avhich a less generous woman 
than Stella would have feared, but she never even thought 
of it. Navie Arnold was a beautiful woman, but when 
she stood beside Stella Brownell, one involuntarily con- 
trasted them as they would an exquisite moonlight and 
the wondrous light of the sun. 

You look at one and admire. It fills you with a name- 
less tranquillity. It sends peace to the heart and cools the 
feverish unrest of the anguished soul. 

The other has been worshiped as a God. Its very name 
brings a thrill of expectancy to the hupian breast. Its 
brilliancy blinds the eyes. It makes our day and we love 
it, and note with regret its absence for a single hour. 

So with those two, who met for the first time. 

The one, dressed in an ill-fitting, heavy muslin, with an 
ugly pink scarf tied in an ungainly knot at her waist, the 
other all elegance, with her tasteful, clinging robes and 
marvelous grace. 

Stella received her with marked kindness when Ted 
Earlscourt had spoken his few words of introduction and, 
taking her into the dressing-room, she retired the awk- 
ward sash and changed her hair a trifie. 

There were only six or eight ladies present, among whom 
were several actresses of more or lesspro’minence. 

They were all enjoying themselves in their hearty way, 
with ]ust a dash of bohemianism to destroy any stiffness 
when the door suddenly swung open, and Philip Pendcn- 
ms was announced. 

He was dressed in the regulation evening attire, which 
so greatly became his careless, debonair grace. 

He entered with his usual nonchalance, looking his 

f 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


45 


own calm, indifferent self, save for a trifling pallor which 
he could not quite control. 

Stella was standing with her back to the door, talk- 
ing with Earlscourt, when the announcement was made. 
Her face became ghastly and, for an instant, her old 
friend thought she was going to faint. 

What an extraordinary bracelet that is you wear, Mrs. 
Brownell,^^ he remarked quickly, seizing her wrist firmly 
and bending over her. Be careful, Stella, he whis- 
pered aside, ^^your husband is watching you.^^ 

^^Yes,^^ she answered. ^^It has, I believe, been in 
Raoul’s family for years.” 

She spoke carelessly, giving him a grateful look, which 
he remembered. 

Awfully pleased to see you, Pendennis,” said Brown- 
ell with suspicions warmth. I feared you had an en- 
gagement and could not favor us to-night.” 

‘‘A thousand engagements would not prevent my ac- 
cepting your hospitality,” answered Pendennis gravely. 

Stella,” said Brownell, ‘^an old friend of yours aAvaits 
your welcome.” 

There was a light in the steely gray eyes which Stella 
could not quite fathom, but she turned quietly to Pen- 
dennis and spoke quite naturally. 

‘‘ Mr. Pendennis!” she exclaimed, as though astonished. 

Is it really you? You must pardon me; I did not hear 
you announced.” 

She uttered the falsehood quite glibly, and Philip 
looked at her with a sneer upon his handsome features, 
for he had seen her start, as had also her husband. 

Indeed!” he answered, not attempting to conceal his 
scorn. Mr. Delmonicomust train his servants to speak 
louder. Glad to see you, Earlscourt.” 

“ I believe you know us all except Miss Arnold,” said 
Brownell. Allow me to introduce you to her. She is 
some one whom Earlscourt and my wife have taken up, 
I believe.” 

‘^No doubt Mrs. Brownell is an excellent chaperon 
and a superior instructress,” answered Pendennis con- 
temptuously as he caught sight of the girlish figure 
pointed out to him. 

Stella bit her lip, but remained silent. 

Brownell led him across the room and introduced him. 


46 STELLA, THE STAR. 

to Miss Arnold, bringing both back to Stella and Earls- 
court. 

Supper is served/' announced a servant. 

Penclennis, take my wife, will 3’ou?" said Brownell 
with affected geniality. ^^Miss Fern is alone, Earls- 

Ile saw that every one was taken care of, then offered 
his arm to Miss Arnold and led the way to the supper- 
room. 

It was a magnificent spread, well worthy of the epicu- 
rean tastes of those gathered around the handsomely dec- 
orated table. 

With a crimson spot burning in either cheek, which 
spoke more plainly than words of suppressed but violent 
agitation, Philip offered Stella his arm and led her in. 

If her life had depended upon it she could not have ut- 
tered a sound. She glanced at her husband, but save for 
that impenetrable smile which troubled her, he was calm 
and serene, intently watching the girl beside him. 

Now that two such distinguished people as my wife 
and Mr. Earlscourt have taken your future in charge. 
Miss Arnold," said Brownell, with a heavy attempt at 
playfulness, ‘^what are you to do? Submit blindly to 
whatever they may see fit to dictate?" 

With such a friend as Mr. Earlscourt has proved him- 
self to be, and a benefactress such as your wife promises, 
I have no fears in submitting blindly. They will only 
suggest what is well for me." 

She spoke with feeling, and mostly every one at the 
table v/ho knew her origin and antecedents, looked at her 
in mute astonishment. Glancing up, she caught the ex- 
pression of the faces, and her own colored deeply. 

^^You propose to put her on the stage, do you not, 
Stella?" asked Brownell, without removing his eyes from 
Miss Arnold. 

‘‘I shall try her in a small part," answered Stella, with 
affected lightness. She is afflicted with an independent 
spirit, and is determined to earn her money by the ‘sweat 
of her brow.' " 

“ You will soon learn. Miss Arnold," said Pendennis, 
leaning across the table and speaking contemptuously, 
“ what a thankless task you have set yourself. If you 
pursue the course marked out for you by so wise and 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


4 ? 


famous a woman as Mrs. Brownell, yon will soon hear 
lago’s instruction, ^ Put money in thy purse.’ The ways 
and means amount to nothing, so that the end is ob- 
tained. The easiest way is matrimony. Men bid high 
for beauty, and beauty knocks herself down to the highest 
bidder.” 

You are an ill counselor, Pendennis,” remarked 
Earlsconrt, glancing pityingly at Stella’s pale face. 

There is no rock so safe upon which a woman can pil- 
low her head, as a strong man’s earnest love.” 

^^Pah!” answered Pendennis, his handsome eyes flash- 
ing with disgust. A rock is a hard pillow for a wom- 
an’s head, and as for safety, it would deprive life of half 
its joys. Money is the motor which rules the world. 
Love a man all you like. Miss Arnold, or say it, which is 
quite the same thing, but if his rival has a hundred dol- 
lars more on his bank account, accept the rival, by all 
means.” 

“ I will never marry unless I love, and love madly,” 
said Miss Arnold, gazing beyond them all, with an ex- 
pression in her great, dark eyes which was incomprehen- 
sible. 

That does not say you will marry the man you love,” 
returned Pendennis. It is all very well to talk of love, 
to play with a man’s heart as you would with a pretty, 
interesting bauble which can be tossed aside when you 
grow weary of it, but don’t be foolish enough to commit 
so grave an error as to marry a man for love. You would 
be ostracized from the society which constitutes the world 
in which you will be thrown.” 

“ You speak bitterly, Mr. Pendennis,” said Miss Fern, 
a woman no longer in her first youth, and intensely jeal- 
ous of those who were. “ Is it possible that some one has 
had the bad taste to throw you over for a wealthier man?” 

Philip bowed, with a sneering smile curving his hand- 
some lips. 

^"Is it not Coleridge who says, ^ To most men experi- 
ence is like the stern lights of a ship, which illumine only 
the track it has passed’?” he asked. You see my ex- 
perience has left such abrilliant illumination behind, that 
the track of life ahead is in shadow, and I still grope, 
feeling my way with my hands in front, while my head is 
turned to watch the scintillation of the ^ stern lights,’” 


48 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


careful/^ said Brownell, quietly, ^Hest in your 
groping you strike against obstacles whose blunt exterior 
may deceive you, and whose corners may conceal sharp 
projections which wound and lacerate.’"’ 

am invulnerable,^^ returned Pendennis, looking 
Brownell calmly in the eye. I have no need of corus- 
cating lights to warn me of such tangible obstructions, 
nor have they power to deter me.^^ 

‘^You speak metaphorically,^'’ replied Brownell, care- 
lessly. ‘‘ To an obtuse intellect plain English is always 
-much more preferable. 

From guest to host it is hardly allowable under cer- 
tain circumstances,^^ answered Pendennis, the hectic spots 
fading from his cheeks and leaving him pale as death. 

But I shall be happy ,to translate to-morrow at the 
club.^^ 

Brownell bowed simply and graciously and turned to 
Miss Arnold. 

^^See, your wife has fainted,” said Navie, looking 
across the table with wild, startled eyes. 

There was a general movement, but before Brownell 
could rise from his chair, Philip had thrown his arm 
about her and carried her to a sofa. 


CHAPTER IX. 

Of course there was something of a sensation when 
Pendennis so quietly assumed the place of protector to- 
ward Stella, but save from a certain accession of color, 
Brownell only bit his lip and remained outwardly 
calm. 

She did not return to consciousness as readily as had 
been anticipated. The entire evening had been too 
much for even her, accustomed as she was to excite- 
ment. 

After Brownell had ordered her carriage and wrapped 
her in her cloak, she opened h^r eyes and looked about. 

"HIow stupid I have been,” she said, with a faint 
smile, as memory returned to her. I liave over-exerted 
myself recently, particularly to-night, and the heavy per- 
fume of the flowers overcame me. You can’t think how 
sorry I am to so dampen your pleasure.” 


STELLA, THE STAB. 


40 


not be/^ returned Pendennis. It is a pleasure 
to see some exhibition of feeling, whatever may be the 
cause of it. May I see you to your carriage 

She looked at him, this man whom she had deceived 
for his own sake; she caught the fire of his dark eyes and 
had no power to resist liim. If he had held out his hand 
to lead her to destruction at that moment, if she had seen 
the yawning abyss of eternal disgrace and eternal punish- 
ment open before her, she would have put her hand into 
his and walked into it, open-eyed. 

But those moments do not last long with natures like 
Stella Northcote^s, and Philip Pendennis did not realize 
the extent of his power or he would have exerted it, 
being only a man, nothing more nor less. 

When he asked her permission to see her to her car- 
riage, she bowed her head in submission, and placed a 
trembling hand upon his arm. But she feared her own 
weakness and turned to Navie Arnold, appealingly. 

^^You will come home with me, will you not?” she 
asked. 

Miss Arnold assented with alacrity, and would have 
joined them, but Brownell gently laid his hand upon hers 
and drew it through his arm. 

Ever5^body bid each other an affectionate good -night, 
and Bj'ownell and Miss Arnold led the way down-stairs, 
the others following, and Pendennis and Stella bringing 
up the rear. 

^‘^When may I see you, Stella, and alone?” he asked, 
as they descended the stairs. 

Not at all, Philip,” she answered, with a sob in her 
throat. It is best, much the best, that we should not 
meet.” 

Then we will do what is not for the best,” he said, 
with a short laugh, ignoring her distress. ‘"I luill see 
you, but when and where is for 5^011 to say.” 

^‘1 cannot,” she gasped. Oh, Philip, why are you 
so cruel to me? I am not worthy of one thought of 
yours. Why do you not go away, and leave me in 
peace?” 

And give you up to the man who has bought you?” 
he returned, cynically. "‘Nay, verily, I am neither so 
generous, nor yet so much of the milk-and-Avater type. 
You are his in one Avay, you are mine in another. I will 


&0 


STELLA^ THE ETAR. 


win all or there will be an account to settle between 
Raoul Brownell and me/^ 

Oh, Philip, she cried, passionately, how you have 
changed! AVhere is that honor of which you have so 
often boasted ? Where is that independence which would 
prevent you from asking the second time, what had once 
been refused?” 

^‘You do well to remind me,” he returned, bitterly, 

for such as I am, you have made me. I love you. To 
you, a married woman, I say it, and I will win you or I 
Avill die.” 

As he finished speaking, he laughed lightly and 
handed her into the carriage. He raised his hat care- 
lessly and without uttering another word, watched Brow- 
nell until he had entered, then stood upon the curb un- 
til the carriage was out of sight. 

* * 

A lady to see you. Miss Arnold.” 

Navie Arnold was sitting alone in Mrs. BrownelPs ele- 
gantly-appointed library, when the servant made the 
announcement. 

She started up from the luxurious chair in which she 
had been sitting, but witli difficulty controlled herself. 

‘‘Where is she, and who is she?” asked Navie in a 
smothered, unnatural voice. 

“ She refused to give me her name, and is in the draw- 
ing-room,” answered the servant respectfully. 

Navie arose and dismissed the servant. 

“ Why am I so utterly foolish?” she whispered to her- 
self. “She cannot have traced me here. It is some one 
else, probably Mr. Earlscourt^s mother.” 

She calmed herself as best she could, but her step was 
unsteady as she crossed the hall and entered the large, 
gorgeously furnished room. 

She closed the door behind her, and staggered against 
it as the woman threw back her veil and stared impu- 
dently at her. 

“By Jove, Nave!” she said insolently, “you have 
fallen upon feathers again. What a rattler you are to 
gull, and how you do manage to drop feet first! Come 

here and kiss me — I am positively too tired to walk and 

don't, for Heaven's sake, stand staring at me with those 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


51 


big, supernatural eyes of yours. You give me the shiv- 
ers.” 

The speaker was a -woman about forty- five years of age, 
but appearing much younger. Her form was round and 
plump, her dress elaborate, her face rather pretty than 
otherwise, but made up to the last degree, her hair of the 
bleached blonde order. 

^'How have you managed to find me here so soon?” 
gasped Navie in a hollow voice. And why do you per- 
secute me so?” 

What a capital heroine you would make of a sensa- 
tional novel, my dear! DonT look like that and speak in 
that sepulchral voice; it is horribly uncomfortable. And 
what an extremely disagreeable way you have of speaking 
to your mother!” 

“Mother, indeed!” exclaimed Navie, her fine eyes 
fiashing with indignation. “ You gave me birth, Tis 
true, but there is not a creature on earth who deserves 
the name of mother so little! What are you? Look at 
yourself! If you knew aught of shame you would blush 
to look your daughter in the face!” 

“Very fine, very fine!” said the woman sneeringly, but 
looking at her admiringly. “ You are a beautiful thing, 
my Nave, but you have shown little discretion in con- 
trasting yourself with ' Stella, tlie Star.^ She is infinitely 
more beautiful than you, and she is wise and shrewd, and 
will detect you under your guise of street waif. You are 
a wretched actress, my dear, and the capital education 
which I was foolish enough to give you will crop out. 
At the supper last night you betrayed yourself, and 
Kaoul Brownell suspects you.” 

“ How do you know so much of me, and where I go? 
I have tried for years to escape you, and the life you have 
mapped out for me. Only God knows how I have tried 
to change it all. I would be willing, to-day, to be the 
most hideous woman that walks the streets, for one day 
of innocence and peace. You have made me an outcast, 
you have broken my heart, and when tranquillity has been 
offered me, you have stepped forward dike the fiendish 
incubus that you are, and put an end to all my repose. 
Oh, I hate you! I hate you!” 

The woman laughed. 

“How foolish you are to so exert yourself,” she said. 


52 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


contemptuously. ""Why, you have actually got color in 
your cheeks, which is ruinous to your style of beauty. 
My child, you are what you are. Don^t try to be differ- 
ent. How I laughed that day when you so deceived poor 
Earlscourfc with your tears, your dirty face, and— -and your 
untruth. What an unsuspecting simpleton he is.” 

A rush of color tinged Navie's pale face, even to her 
blue-black hair. 

‘^What!” cried the woman, rising, and seizing her by 
the wrist, ^^you don’t mean to say that you have fallen in 
love with tliat impecunious thing!” 

Silence!” commanded the girl, flinging off her moth- 
er’s hand, as though its very touch stung her. What 
right have I to love such as he? He is as far above me as 
the sun is above the earth.” 

But the sun sucks up the foulness of the earth,” said 
the woman, looking at her companion with half-closed 
eyes, and goes on reflecting the warmth of his rays the 
same as before. But it shall not be so with you and your 
sun. I forbid you to think of bim.” 

What interest have you in me, that you should care?” 
asked the girl, pressing her hands closely in her agony. 

Simply this: I am accustomed to my luxurious ease, 
and I have no money. I am growing too old for men to 
supply my wants. They care for me no longer, but you 
must do it, and you shall do it. You have been silly 
enough to grow soft on Earlscourt’s handsome face. Bah ! 
Do you think he would marry you if he knew your his- 
tory? Never! And I will tell him all — everything. You 
shudder. I was not wrong, 1 see. You, the honorable, 
would have married him, and kept the past as a sealed 
book. Don’t try it. Too many people know you. He is 
not the sun, and you are not the earth. Brownell is your 
best show. I should counsel Pendennis, but he is too 
much in love with the fair Stella.” 

Navie had with difficulty held her temper, but as the 
woman’s disgusting vulgarity found vent in words, her 
eyes almost blazed with wrath, and she pointed, with a 
passionate gesture, toward the door. 

Leave this house!” she commanded. ^‘'All my life 
you have drawn me down and choked my every impulse 
of good. You have followed me and demanded money 
and I have obtained it by some means, to prevent you" 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


58 


my own mother, from making known my odious past. 
But now you have run me to the wall. You, my mother, 
conjure me to get money from the husband of my friend 
and benefactress, the only woman who has opened an 
honest life to me. Pah! No words could express my 
contempt for you, nor tell you how I abhor you 

Again the woman laughed. 

have heard that so many times before that it has 
ceased to affect me. You do not want to return to me, 
do you 

^‘1 would die first answered Navie, with a look of 
withering disgust. 

^‘Let me see,^^ continued her tormentor, meditatively. 

You pass to these easily gulled people as fifteen or six- 
teen years of age. Ha! ha! Capital! And yet you are 
almost twenty. That gives me more than a year during 
which time I am your legal guardian. Now, my dear, 
listen to me and heed me. If you make one move in this 
matter unsanctioned by me, I will force you to take up 
your residence with me; and I am not the gentlest of 
companions, at the best of tim es. You know, even better 
than I can tell you, what that will entail. 

The miserable girl covered her face with her hands and 
sobbed aloud. 

What do you wish me to do?” she gasped at last. 

Ah, that is more like it!” said the woman, crossing 
her hands contentedly. thought you would be rea- 
sonable. I want money, my dear. I must have five hun- 
dred dollars.” 

^^Five hundred!” echoed Navie, gazing at her in aston- 
ishment. Where do you suppose I would get such an 
amount as that from, now?” 

'^From Brownell.” 

Navie’s face crimsoned. 

Life with you even, before that,” she said, with dig- 
nity. I have fallen low, but never low enough for 
that.” 

Five hundred, or I ask an audience of Stella and the 
enamored Earlscourt.” 

Go! leave me!” cried the poor girl. I will do what 
lean.” 

Very well. I will be on the corner of Thirtieth Street 
and Broadway to-morrow night at nine. As you value 


54 


STELLA, THE STAR. 

yoar safety, do not fail me. To save you annoyance I will 
do without mv maternal kiss. Au revoir.” 

She swept hy the dazed girl and out into the ha^, while 
Navie, overcome by her emotion, sunk into a chair. 

‘‘How what will become of me?’" she whispered hoarsely 
to herself. I dare not tell any one. I could not bear 
the scorn and contempt. Heaven help me, I am lost 
again,” 

She sprung up and rushed out into the hall like a mad 
thing, dashing by the door of the library like a small 
whirlwind. 

Miss Arnold! Havie!” she heard a voice call. 

Mechanically she paused, and, controlling her distorted 
features as quickly as possible, pushed open the door, 
which stood ajar. 

^^Did you call, Mr. Brownell?” she asked, in an unnat- 
ural voice. 

Yes,” answered Brownell. “ Come in and close the 
door.” 

She did as he bade her, and stood before him, trembling 
in every limb. 

He looked at her for some time witliout speaking. 
When he did, his voice had a peculiar inflection which 
she could not understand. 

Navie,” he said, women are careless; my wife par- 
ticularly so. She will provide for your wardrobe, but for- 
get your purse. Here is a small check from me.” 

He handed it to her, never removing his eyes from her 
face. She took it in her shaking hand and glanced at it. 

It was a check for five hundred dollars ! 

With a cry she started back, and the bit of valuable 
paper fell upon the floor. 

My God!” she gasped. “ You hnoio 


CHAPTER X. 

Kn-qw what?” asked Brownell, looking at her with 
affected unconsciousness. 

Navie pressed her hands against her heart in embar- 
rassed silence. 

Know what?” repeated Brownell, never removing his 
eyes from her agitated face. 


STELLA, THE STAE, 


§5 


. cannot tell yon,” whispered Navie. * I had rather 
die than have your wife and Mr. Earlscourt know. Let 
me go away without your informing them of my decep- 
tion, I beseech you.” 

'‘You are speaking wildly,” said Brownell, sternly. 
" Sit down.” 

She obeyed with the meek submission of a child. 

“ Now listen to me,” he continued. " There is noth- 
ing for my wife and Mr. Earlscourt to know. You came 
to them as a street waif. If you are otherwise, that is 
your business, not mine. But I have a proposition to 
make to you. Are you ready to hear it?” 

The poor girl nodded, being utterly unable to speak. 

"You are in need of money; is it not true?” 

" It is,” answered Navie, hoarsely, seeing in his ques- 
tion another evidefice that her conversation had been 
overheard. 

"Very well; I am in need of a person whom I can 
trust. Do you think we can make an exchange of truth- 
fulness and trustworthiness for money?” 

" I donT understand you,” said Navie, slowly, her 
handsome eyes shadowed with uneasiness and fear. 

" But you shall, when you accept my terms.” 

" How can I accept what I know nothing of?” 

"I will put it in another form. Swear to me to ac- 
cept that check in exchange for a solemn promise not to 
reveal what I shall say to you.” 

Navie was silent. 

"Your betrayal,” continued Brownell, "cannot harm 
me in the slightest degree, only I had rather it would not 

be known, while Well, you do not care to have your 

past inquired into too closely.” 

"Speak! I promise!” gasped Navie, putting out her 
hand to silence him. 

" In the first place, I love my wife, strange as it may 
seem in this degenerate age.” 

" You could not help it,” said Navie, as he paused. 
" She is the loveliest and truest of women.” 

Brownell shrugged his broad shoulders. 

"I have not much confidence in the truth of women,” 
he sneered. "Those who appear most childlike and 
chaste are the ones who are rottenest at the core.” 

Navie^’s face crimsoned. 


56 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


You do her injustice/^ she said, in a low tone. 

''That is exactly what I want you to find out for me,"*^ 
interrupted Brownell. " Before my wife and I were mar- 
ried, Philip Pendennis, whom you met last night, ^vas 
engaged to her. She loved him, or I thought she did, 
and accepted me, presumably because of my superior bank 
account. I brought them together last night to test her, 
but I am not satisfied yet. What I wish you to do is to 
watch them. Find out if they have any stolen meetings; 
hear all their conversations, without their knowledge, and 
report everything to me. Will you do it?^^ 

For a long time Navie sat in silence, thinking deeply. 

" There can be nothing in all this,’^ she mused. " The 
man is only jealous, and perhaps I can prove to him her 
perfect innocence. 

'‘ I would also have you note any conversation which 
may take place between her and Earlscourt,^^ continued 
Brownell. 

"I accept,^’ cut in Navie, decidedly. "Your wife is 
as pure as an angel, and I will prove it to you.^^ 

"Very well,^^ returned Brownell, cynically. "Prove 
it if you can. Now, raise your right hand.^^ 

She did as he bade her. 

"Now swear to me that what you will report to me 
shall be tlie strictest truth, not one word, nor one act, 
more than is said and done, nor one less, and that under 
no circumstances will you ever betray me.^^ 

" I swear it,"" answered Navie, solemnly. 

" That is well. If you break your word, the most 
minute inquiry shall be made into your former life and 
everything made known to the world. If you keep it, I 
will stand between you and any persons who may seek to 
harm yon, and help you to a life of purity, which you 
seem to covet."" r 

You are generous,"" exclaimcid Navie, seizing his 
hand and pressing it gratefully. " I tell you frankly 
that I would endure anything before making the promise 
that I have, did I not know your wife to be as perfectly 
innoxious as she is beautiful. I will be your faithful 
friend, as you have promised to be mine."^ 

She picked up the check, and left the room with tears 
in her eyes. 

Brownell looked after her with a smile. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


57 


""What a stunningly pretty girl she. is/' he ejaculated, 
mentally'. "" She lias the material in her, and would liave 
made a superb woman if it had not been for that mother 
of hers. But tliere is no redemption for a woman once 
led astray. She will have more to report to me than she 
dreams of." 

He arose, rang for his coat and hat and left the house. 

He stepped into his dog-cart, which was waiting at the 
door, and drove rapidly to his olub. 

""Brownell! Brownell!" shouted several idlers as he 
entered the door. "" Welcome, old fellow. How. is the 
fair Stella this morning?" 

"" 1 have not seen my wife this morning," returned 
Brownell, a trifle stiffly, ""but she was well last night." 

""When are we to lose her from the stage?" asked one. 
*"I fail to see how we can ever exist without our di- 
vinity." 

""She has no idea of retiring from the stage," replied 
Brownell, testily. 

"" What! And you will allow it?" 

"" Because I married a wife is no reason why I should 
suddenly turn tyrant," he answered. ""My wife likes it. 
Why should I deny what is a pleasure to her and cannot 
offend me?" 

""You are right, of course, if you can look at it in 
that way, but I should want such a magnificent creature 
all to myself." 

""You would soon fatigue her and have nothing for 
your pains," returned Brownell, coldly. "" There is noth- 
ing which creates weariness so quickly as too constant in- 
tercourse, and ennui is the death of love." 

"" Behold " Benedick, the married man,' speaks," ex- 
claimed the club man, laughing. ""Isay, Earlscourt, you 
ought to hear the old woman-hater talking about love 
and marriage. I move we make resolutions in which we 
request Brownell to write a " guide-book for married men.' 
How I would envy his publishers the money they would 
make on the enormous sale." 

"" Good-morning, Brownell," exclaimed Earlscourt,' 
joining in the laugh. "" They are only envious of you 
and your good fortune." 

"" Their chaff does not annoy me," exclaimed Brownell, 
shaking hands with Earlscourt. ""AYaiter, bring half a 


58 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


dozen of Pommery Sec. Come, fellows, we will drink to 
the success of the ^guide-book.’ 

There is Pendennis!” cried Earlscourt. ^^You are 
just in time, old fellow.” 

^^Yes?” said Pendennis, raising , his hat, ^^In time 
for what?” 

'"To drink to the success of Brownell’s guide-book, 
which he is to write upon love and marriage,” answered 
Eainford, one of the club members. 

"Indeed!” exclaimed Pendennis, very superciliously. 
" Will you give statistics and prices, Brownell?” 

A dull-red color burned in Brownell’s cheeks. 

" It will scarcely be necessary,” he answered, quietly. 
" My readers will be men of too good standing m the 
financial market to be influenced by prices.” 

" Here is your champagne, Brownell,” interrupted 
Earlscourt, wishing to put an end to what threatened to 
be an unpleasantness. 

Brownell bowed and raised his glass. 

" To what shall we drink?” he asked. 

"The health of the beauteous bride and the virtue and 
loveliness of her sex,” answered Eainford, gallantly. 

" Omit the ' virtue,’ and I drink,” said Pendennis, 
harshly. 

" What do you mean?” demanded Brownell, indig- 
nantly. 

"Simply that it is not an applicable word to the 
younger generation ^of women in general. It is circum- 
stances alone which affect their moral character.” 

Dead silence fell upon the group for an instant, each 
man pausing with his glass half way between the table 
and his lips, when Brownell, crimson with rage, his eyes 
flashing fire, dashed the contents of his glass'full in Pen- 
dennis’ face. 

AVith a cry of fury Pendennis sprung toward him, but 
Eainford seized and held him fast, ^ while Earlscourt 
threw his arm about Brownell. 


CHAPTEE XI. 

"Will you come for a drive, Navie?” asked Stella, 
drawing on her long kid gloves as she entered Xavie’s 
elegant little boudoir, 


BTELLA, THE ^TATt, 


69 


I sliould be awfully glad to go/^ said Navie, spring- 
ing up; then, looking timidly at Stella, she asked, ‘^But 
will I do? This is all I have to wear/^ 

I guess Clochette has rigged up something for you 
by tliis time. You shall come, at all events.'’^ 

She stepped back to her own boudoir, summoned her 
maid, and very soon Navie was dressed in a becoming 
toilet which reflected much credit upon the ingenuity of 
Clochette, and Navie^s ability to carry a beautiful cos- 
* tume. 

You are charming!” exclaimed Stella gleefully, as 
delighted as a child with a new doll. ‘^Now for our 
drivel” 

They ran lightly down-stairs, and were soon driving 
rapidly toward the park. 

‘^Now that we are quite alone, Navie,” said Stella 
kindly, laying her hand gently upon the other’s shoulder, 

3 'Ou must tell me something of your past. Nothing 
which you care to conceal, you understand ’’—noting the 
look of startled pain which had crossed her companion’s 
face — ^‘^and nothing to which it hurts you to refer. I do 
not ask from curiosity, but if I am to help you I must 
know something about where to begin.” 

You are right,” answered Navie, slowly and hesitat- 
ingly. There is very little to tell; it was always the 
same old, monotonous story of begging and beating.” 

But your — pardon me — -your education does not seem 
to have been neglected.” 

^^No,” said Navie, her face crimsoning. I was 
taught some things, and studied much more on my own 
account.” 

am glad of that,” said Stella contentedly. ^^Of 
course you read well, then. I was so afraid you would 
not, and it would have been unpleasant for you in the 
profession which Mr. Earlscourt and I have decided u23on 
for you.” 

Na^e smiled quietly. 

Yes, I read well and write well,” she answered softly. 

Stella looked at her long and earnestly. 

There was sometliing so strange and seemingly unreal 
in the girl’s weird, moonlight beauty that it gave Stella 
an uncanny feeling, and she sliivered slightly. 

We never quite trust peo 2 )le whom we do not under- 


60 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


stand, and a vague idea crossed Stella^s brain that she 
was being deceived, but she was too honest, too loyal and 
true herself to believe ill of others. 

^^Navie,^-’ she said, speaking very slowly, ^‘1 hope you 
will pardon me for what I am going to say to you, but I 
think it a duty I owe Mr. Earlscourt and myself. He 
lias taken you into his own family, and I have received 
you as a sacred trust, with scarcely a word of explanation 
regarding your past, without any assurance that you are 
what you represent yourself to be, save your own asser- 
tion. But we ask no more. Do not distress yourself, 
child, for you hhall never again return to that horrid 
woman. What we do ask of you is that you be true to us 
in all things. Never, under any circumstances, deceive 
me, Navie, for a confidence once destroyed by falsehood 
can never be restored. If I ask you a question which you 
do not wish to answer, say so frankly, and I shall like you 
all the niore.^^ 

You may trust me,” answered Navie, with tears 
standing in her lustrous eyes. You have been good to 
me, you and he, and you are the only two on earth who 
have, disinterestedly. I may prove false to myself, I 
may prove false to all the rest of the world, but never to 
you, never to him, I swear it.” 

A divided oath. Which will be kept, the one prompted 
by gratitude or the one involving her own personal 
safety? 

I believe you,” said Stella impulsively, clasping her 
hand firmly. Forgive me if I seemed to doubt you; 
but, after all, you are only a child and have yet to be 
taught many things. Mayhap that is one of them. I 
have a most awfully disagreeable feeling upon me to-day, 
one for which I cannot account, and we theatrical folk 
are so extremely, superstitious. By the way, we rehearse 
^Led Astray ^ to-morrow at eleven. Your part has only 
about three lines, but you have an opportunity to look 
pretty, which you will do to perfection. Let us go home; 
the air seems murky, and I am nervous.” 

She pulled the check-rein of the carriage and ordered 
the coachman home, then leaned back and drew her cloak 
closely about her. 

They were very quiet on their homeward drive, those 
two beautiful women, each busy with her own thoughts, 


BTELLA, THE STAR. 


61 


"both turbulent and miserable and in direct contrast to 
their lovely faces. 

They were aroused by a sudden lurch of the carriage, 
and a greatly accelerated rate of speed. 

^MVhat is the matter?’^ asked Navie, leaning for- 
ward, 

Stella did not answer. It had dawned upon her that 
her new thoroughbreds were running away, and were al- 
ready entirely beyond the coachman^s control. She 
turned T)ale and pressed her hands closely. They were out 
of the park and in the streets, dashing along like the wind. 

Men shouted themselves hoarse, many clutched at the 
horses' heads, but their efforts only seemed to more com- 
jffetely bewilder the frightened animals. 

With strained eyes and tense nerves the two women 
gazed before them, realizing the precariousness of their 
situation and yet utterly unable to help themselves. 

As they looked, a little child, awed by the mad rush- 
ing of the handsome animals, stopped directly in their 
path, and with its yellow hair flying in the keen, frosty 
air, its tiny hands raised high over its little head, stood 
motionless as a small statue. 

^^My God!" exclaimed Stella, her lips pallid, her 
cheeks blanched with terror, but forgetful of her own 
danger in her knowledge of that little creature's peril. 

The crowd of men and boys stood petrified, stunned by 
the awful jeopardy of the little life, and still the child, 
looking like a small spirit from another world, stood in the 
way of those rapidly approaching animals.- 

The coachman had dropped the reins, his hands lacer- 
ated and bleeding from his efforts to arrest the horses, 
when suddenly a woman's voice from the crowd, hoarse 
with anguish and entreaty, cried out: 

"^My child, my baby! Save her, oh, God!" 

As if in answer to her prayer, a tall, commanding form 
from the throng sprung forward, straight in front of the 
maddened horses, and, seizing the child in one arm, 
caught the bridle of the horses in the other. They reared 
and plunged, raising the powerful man from his feet, but 
he gave a tremendous pull upon the bridle which snapped, 
in two. The pole struck him violently upon the head 
and he fell, the two wheels of the carriage passing over 
his right arm. 


62 


STELLA, THE STAn. 


Instantly the more infuriated horses made a terrible 
dash, but swerved from their course, tliey turned to their 
right and one of them struck his head a frightful blow 
against a lamp-post and fell forward, breaking his neck 
and bringing his fellow-horse to a dead stop, trembling 
and quivering in every limb. 

Springing from the badly shaken-up carriage, Stella 
pushed her way through the crowd to the prostrate man, 
who had made so valiant an effort to save their lives. 

^^It is Philip,^’ slie murmured, passionately, seizing 
Navie^s hand and supporting herself by it. If he is 
dead, I, too, shall die. Oh, God.'’^ 

Be calm,-’' said Navie, gently, he is not dead.'’^ 

His face was pale, his eyes closed, his arm lay limp 
and lifeless beside him, and upon his breast the golden- 
haired baby sat quite contentedly, brushing the dark 
hair from his forehead. 

‘^Pitty gemplum,"" she cried as her mother lifted her 
up. ‘^He helped Lily stop the horses.^'’ 

He saved your life, my darling, exclaimed her 
mother, fervently. May God forever bless and prosper 
him.-’’ 

Amen!^^ muttered Stella below her breath, as she 
bent over him. 

^MVho is he? Hoes any one know?"^ asked a by- 
stander.^ 

^^Yes, I know him,^^ answered Stella, in a quivering 
voice. My home is just there, pointing. Will any 
one of you carry him there 

That we will,^^ replied many of the men, in chorus. 

Stella led the way, and with what tenderness they 
could, the men followed, bearing their burden. 

They carried him to the room she designated, and left 
him. 

A physician was summoned, who set the broken bone 
of the arm and made a minute examination. 

"^You think he will live, doctor?'"" asked Stella, anx- 
iously, as she bathed the patienPs head with water. 

‘^I think so, undoubtedly,"" answered the physician, 
reassuringly, ‘^but cases of this kind are always more or 
less tedious. Both bones of the fore-arm are broken, 
which, of course, amounts to little, but he has a badly 
contused wound on the head, where the pole struck, 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


63 


which is of primary consideration. I fear a little con- 
cussion has taken place, and the patient maybe delirious 
for some time and may require careful nursing.^’ 

He shall receive my unflagging attention,’’ said 
Stella, a trifle liysterically. He has saved our lives. It 
shall go hard with us if we cannot save his.” 

He IS a noble fellow,” responded the physician. I 
have known Phil Pendennis since he was a boy, and a 
truer or grander character I have, never seen. 1 remem- 
ber a circumstance which happened once, only a few 
years ago. We were all on a steamer going to Europe. 
It was the first time I had met the family, and I was al- 
ready much impressed with the handsome, manly ap- 
pearance of the young .fellow. We had rather an un- 
eventful passage and were only two days out of 
Liverpool, when, one day, a cry was raised that the little 
daughter of one of the steerage passengers had fallen 
overboard. The poor mother was shrieking wildly, be- 
lieving with the rest of us, that she had seen the little 
one for the last time. The captain ordered a lifeboat 
down, and as the men were preparing to lower it, to our 
horror, we saw a huge white shark, not more than a hun- 
dred yards from the spot where the child had sunk. Its 
triangular teeth were to be seen gleaming large and 
white even under the muzzle which projected over the 
mouth, indicating that it was, even then, turning to 
strike its prey. 

‘^It requires a long time to tell it, but the whole hor- 
rifying scene was enacted in a very few seconds. We all 
saw the child’s deadly peril, but none of us were brave 
enough to go to its assistance. The sailors were lowering 
the boat, but they did not seem to be working with their 
usual rapidity. An intense, awful silence rested upon us 
all when, suddenly, throwing off his coat and seizing a 
huge knife from one of the sailors, Phil Pendeniiis 
leaped overboard. We were all too much surprised and 
shocked to speak; we only held our breath and watched. 
He struck out boldly, and, being a powerful swimmer, 
soon reached the spot where the child disappeared. It 
came up only a few feet from him, and with one stroke 
he reached it and cjuight it under his left arm. 

^‘Meanwhile the miark had fully turned, its white belly 
gleaming in the sun. It opened its ponderous jaws, but^ 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


6i 

quick as thought, Philip struck him a vigorous blow with 
the knife in tlie belly, and the shark for an instant dis- 
appeared, leaving a trail of blood behind; maddened with 
pain, the infuriated animal returned to the attack, but 
Philip defended himself and his charge valiantly, holding 
the child up by taking the back of her dress, near the 
neck, in his teeth, until the lifeboat reached them. I 
have never heard such a cheer in my life as went up 
when they were drawn safely into the boat. The poor 
mother was overcome ty her emotion. She fell upon 
her knees (as, of course, steerage and cabin passengers 
were all one under those circumstances) and prayed God 
to bless him for saving her darling. She kissed his hands 
and told him a pathetic littlq story about the child^s 
being her only one and the consolation of lier widow- 
hood. He listened to her all through, and when she 
had finished and he raised his head, I saw that his eyes 
were overflowing with tears. 

“ ‘ By Heaven! I never 

Thought strength so glorious as I thought his weakness. 

Or man worth envying till I saw those tears!’ 

From that time I have admired Philip Pendennis for 
his bravery and loved him because he is a hero. 

There, concluded Dr. Haldane, I have told you a 
long story. I hope 1 have not wearied you, but I always 
grow enthusiastic over that noble fellow.’^ 

Neither of the women spoke a word. 

Stella was bending over him, all her heart in her eyes, 
cursing the fate which had separated them, and loving 
him all the more because of a woman's contrary nature 
when she knows that what she does is wrong; and Navie, 
reading her secret with those great, dark eyes, watched 
her in surprise and some alarm. 

While they stood there silently, the door opened softly 
and Clochette entered. 

''Madame, your husband is in your boudoir, and wishes 
to speak with you," she whispered. 

Without a word Stella left the room. 

" You sent for me?" she asked,. as she entered her own 
boudoir and stood before her husband. 

His face was deadly pale, his lips twitching violently. 

" Why have you had that man brought into my house?" 
he demanded, sternly. 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


65 


IIo saved my life/' answered Stella, drawing herself 
lip haughtily, and was injured in my service. Last 
night he was your guest, to-day he is mine." 

But many things have happened between then and 
now," said Brownell, angrily. ‘‘Since then heJias chal- 
lenged me to fight a duel, and publicly insulted you in a 
clubroom." 


CHAPTEK XII. 

Stella grasped the hack of a chair to support herself, 
overcome by a momentary dizziness, but she quickly re- 
covered her composure and sat down. 

“In what way did Mr. Pendennis insult me in a club- 
room?" she asked coldly. 

“He said 3^011 were virtueless," answered Brownell 
brutally, rejoicing in his opportunity of wounding her. 

Stella's face grew livid. 

“ He said that?" she asked unsteadily. “Are you not 
mistaken? Wliat were his words?" 

“ He simply refused to drink a toast to you and the 
virtue and loveliness of your sex." 

“And you?" 

“ I moistened his face with champagne," answered 
Brownell with a short laugh. 

“ And he challenged you?" said Stella slowly. 

“He could do nothing less." 

“ You accepted?" 

“ Certainly." 

“What weapons?" 

“Pistols." 

Stella shuddered, knowing Brownell's accuracy as a 
shot. 

“ But his arm is broken," she said hesitatingly. 

“ It will mend, or he can use his left. The pistols and 
balls will keep." 

“Kaoul, do you intend to murder Philip Pendennis?" 
asked Stella, looking at hini searchingly. 

“What are you talking about?" he answered roughly. 
“ Phil Pendennis challenged me, I tell you." 

“ But you forced yourself upon him," said Stella hotly. 
“ Why did you not let him alone? Why did you invite 
him to supper? Why did you seek his society?" 


66 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Do you think I must avoid every man who liappened 
to admire my wife in her girlhood? I wanted to be 
friendly with Philip Pendennis, and he repaid me by in- 
sulting my wife/^ 

“ Ho, you did not wish to be friendly with him/^ re- 
turned Stella, a deadly calm in her voice. You did 
not invite him here for that purpose. Why did you not 
tell me he was to be there? You wished to surprise me 
by his presence into a betrayal of some emotion. Do you 
think I did not see you watching me? and do you think 
it increases my respect for you, or my liking? From 
the first you have determined upon this quarrel, and you 
have brought it about. Why?^'’ 

Shall I tell you why?^^ he asked, his eyes fiashing fire, 
his handsome face heavy and positively ugly in his anger. 

Since you know so much, I may tell you the rest. 
Strange as it may seem in this degenerate age, I love my 
wife, but strictly in accordance with its teachings and 
principles, my wife does not love me. God! do 5^11 think 
I have not seen all along how things were between you and 
him? When I asked you to marry me, I knew you loved 
him, but I believed my superior bank account would out- 
weigh it. I was not mistaken. But what did deceive 
me was that I could not buy awoman^s heart. The hand 
is salable, but the heart clings to its first affection. 
Singularly enough, I have grown weary of the shell and 
want the kernel. Do you think I do not see how you 
tremble in his presence? How your eyes droop when he 
looks at you? How even his insults are as caresses to 
you? And do you think that man shall live? I wonder 
that I have not killed him outright.” 

You were too great a coward,” answered Stella, sneer- 
ingly. You feared the law.” 

Does the law countenance a duel? I am not a man 
to fear. When anything stands in my way I simply 
sweep it out.” 

‘'Raoul,” said Stella, determinedly, “the duel must 
not go on.” 

“Who will prevent it?” 

“ I will. Listen to me, Raoul. You say you will fight 
Mr. Pendennis because you think I love him. It is not 
of my own seeking that I have seen him at all, but I 
promise you thgt I will avoid hini and never see him. 


^ti:lla, star. 


67 

never speak one word to him if you will give up this duel, 
which is simply a determination to slay him/’’ 

Brownell laughed. 

On one condition/’ he said, watching her closely. 

Tell me, with truth, that I have been mistaken, that 
you do not love Philip Pendennis.” 

Stella’s eyes fell. 

^^You see you cannot,” he continued, with a short, 
hateful laugh. Even to your own husband you cannot 
deny your love for this man. I tell you the man should 
not live if I had to steal up behind him and assassinate 
him.” 

‘^It will be nothing short of that. You know that you 
never fail with a revolver. It means sure death for him; 
possibly the same for you.” 

It would grieve you sorely if I should fall, would it 
not?” he asked, sarcastically. 

Do not speak to me like that, Eaoul,” entreated 
Stella, showing some of the real misery which she felt. 

It would indeed grieve me. Think, Raoul, if you 
should kill that man, I should carry it forever upon my 
conscience. I would be the cause of it, and the shame 
and guilt would kill me. Give it up, Raoul, because of 
me. I will do anything you like. See, I am at your 
feet ” — kneeling at his side. I have never asked of you 
a favor, Raoul, but I beseech you grant me this. Surely 
I have brought trouble enough upon him without this. 
Oh, my husband, spare him!” 

He threw her from him with such violence that she 
fell heavily upon the floor. 

You call me husband and plead for your lover with 
the same breatli,” he whispered savagely, gnashing his 
teeth with rage. I must be more than man that I do 
not kill you. What are you? Are you so lost to all 
sense of sliame that you confess your love for another 
man in your husband’s presence, and then ask his life?” 

^^You have done a thing,” said Stella, contemptu- 
ously, which, under other circumstances, would make 
me despise you; but I promise to forget it, if you will do 
as I ask. Think for an instant. You say you do this 
because you love me. Do you think that would increase 
my esteem or liking for you ? I should hate you, and I 


()S STELLA, THE STAR, 

swear that I would never willingly look upon your facd 
again. Now, what is your answer?"^ 

^‘The same as before,"'’ he answered, standing with 
folded arms before her, his steely eyes glittering with 
rage. That man insulted you at your own table last 
night, and yet you walked from the room leaning upon 
his arm. To-day he publicly insulted you, and you hum- 
ble yourself to ask his life at my hands. Bah! You are 
worse than I thought you. Before, I believed you to be 
only indiscreet, not willfully criminal; now — you are 
anything which circumstances offer you the opportunity 
of being."" 

Stella"s face flushed crimson and paled alternately. 
She drew herself up proudly, and looked him unflinch- 
ingly in the eye. 

I am defenseless,"" she said, with bitter scorn. I 
have neither father, nor brother, to protect me when my 
husband chooses to insult me. If I were a man, I should 
knock you down."" 

^MVhy do you not try it, anyway?'" he asked, sneer- 
ingly. It would be no more than one might expect 
from a person of your origin."" 

You wish to murder a man who offers an affront to 
my sex, and yet you speak thus insolently,"" said she, 
haughtily. Truly, a man to love and honor. You have 
refused my prayers; now, I tell you, that this thing shall 
not go on. It will be my last resort — for I dread public 
comment and humiliation — but if I can prevent it in no 
other way, I shall appeal to the police, and have you re- 
strained by law."" 

No doubt you would go to any extent to save your 
paramour,"" cried Brownell, his passion at white-heat; 
‘'but I swear you shall not. I will find a way and a 
means. And now, I forbid you speaking to that man. I 
am your husband, and your master. I cannot have him 
removed from here, because it would create comment, but 
he shall be attended by servants, and not you. I wish 
you to remain in your own room, and neither see nor 
speak to him."" 

He left the room, shutting the door noisily behind him. 

Left alone, Stella threw herself into a chair, and 
stretched her arms above her head, her face white with 
misery. 


60 


STELLA, THE STA^, 

Why did I ever marry that brute?’" she murmured. 

I could liave kept my oath without that sacrifice, and 
saved myself all this misery. No, I could not, for I am 
weak, so weak, and I love Philip with all my heart; but 
there will be some^, horrible tragedy at the end, I feel and 
know it.” 

Her words were prophetic; but she little thought of 
what that tragedy was to be, or how it was to be brought 
about, else might a martyred life have been saved, and a 
flood of bitter tears have been wiped from a human heart. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

^^Mrs. Brown'ELL, are you alone?” asked Navie, put- 
ting her head inside the door half an hour later. 

Yes. Come in, dear,” answered Stella kindly. 
^^Have you been with Mr. Pendennis? How is he?” 

^'That is what I came to speak to you about,” said 
Navie quietly. He is conscious and rational. He 
seemed distressed when Dr. Haldane told him where he 
was, and calls for you constantly. The doctor says if he 
can be kept perfectly quiet for several days he may avoid 
the delirium which he feared. He has gone nowand left 
me instructions about the medicine, and says he will call 
again about ten o’clock to-night. Mr. Pendennis sent me 
to ask you to come to him.” 

For a moment Stella covered her face with her hands 
and remained silent, her whole frame quivering with sup- 
pressed emotion. 

Tell him,” answered Stella in a strained, miserable 
voice, ^Hhat I am compelled to go to the theater nowand 
cannot come.” 

Why, it is not later than half-past five,” said Navie 
inquiringly. Surely you can spare half an hour. Poor 
fellow! He cannot raise his head at all, and looks so 
white and ill and handsome. It is a small return for the 
service he rendered us.” 

I will go with you,” answered Stella, rising nervously. 

Come.” 

Navie followed her from the room and preceded her 
into Philip Pendennis’ presence. 

Pale almost to ghastliness he lay upon the bed, his 
dark hair disheveled, his handsome eyes unnaturally 


10 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


briglit, Ills breathing quick and feverisli. One arm 
stretched out, bound in plaster of Paris, the other hand 
clutched spasmodically at the covers of the bed, giving 
him a helpless look, which went straight to Stella^s heart. 

I am glad to see you looking better, Mr. Pendennis,^^ 
she said, a trifle stiffly. '‘'The doctor feared you might 
be delirious and all that.^^ 

"No doubt he would have been glad if I had, that he 
might have made a good bill for himself,"’^ returned 
Philip; "but you see I have no intention of trespassing 
so long upon your hospitality. I shall be removed 
to-day.'’^ 

Stella bowed coldly, striving to conceal the pain his 
words caused her. 

" You and the physician,'’^ she answered, " are the best 
judges of how quickly that can be done in safety, but I 
hope that you feel you are welcome as long as you care to 
remain. I have not thanked you yet for the service you 
rendered my friend and me, but I am grateful.” 

" You have no cause to be,” replied Philip, shortly. 
" I did not know it was you, or I should not have done 
even what I did. My only thought was to save that child. 
I did not even see you.” 

Stella’s eyes filled with tears, and she turned her head 
aside, but nut before Philip had seen, with a sort of fiend- 
ish pleasure, how he had wounded her. 

So completely does unhappy love change its object, that 
this man, who would walk out of his way to avoid tramp- 
ling an insect, took a positive delight in hurting this 
woman, for whom he would have considered it a blessed 
privilege had he been called upon to die m her service. 

" Why did you have me brought here?” he demanded, 
savagely. 

'' I did no more than humanity required,” she answered, 
tr^dng vainly to steady her shaking voice. 

He smiled contemptuously. 

" Do you always so consider the requirements of hu- 
manity? If so, your disposition has changed, and matri- 
mony has benefited you, after all.” 

She looked about, but Navie was nowhere to be seen; 
and, as her wandering eyes roved back to him, a lump 
arose in her throat which almost choked her. 

"Philip, why are you so cruel to me?” she gasped. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


n 


Have yon, to others a noble, generous man, nothing 
better to do than avenge yourself upon a woman as mis- 
erable as I am?” 

You are miserable, then?” he asked, looking hun- 
grily at her lovely face. I am glad of it. But I do not 
believe it. You have sold yourself for gold, and you have 
all which your weak, grasping nature craves. This is 
only another trick which you have learned upon the 
stage. I used to consider you a poor actress in private 
life, but you are the best one which the world contains. 
Y^ou open those big purple eyes of yours, you charm a 
man’s heart out of his body, you make him love'you until 
his very soul goes out in his mad idolatry, then, with an- 
other stroke of consummate art, you throw liim from you 
and put an impassable barrier between you and him.” 

^‘Borgive me, Philip, I have sulfered so,” she said 
humbly. 

Did it ever occur to you what I have suffered? You 
were not even kind enough to accept that man when I 
was not present. Oh, Stella, you were bitterly cruel to 
me! That blow not only came near robbing me of rea- 
son, but life. I think I was mad for weeks, and only God 
knows what agonies I endured. I had such faith in 
you, but you destroyed not only that, but my belief in 
3mur sex. But I will have you yet. I will pay a larger 
price than he, and win you.” 

‘"If what you say of me is true, Philip, surely I am 
not worth your consideration,” said Stella miserably, 
“ Why do you not forget me?” 

He laughed ^bitterly. 

“ Why? Because I am a fool and no longer my own 
master. Because my love is the only feeling in me which 
you have not killed. Because I do not wish to forget, 
and could not if I would.” 

“And for that reason you have been foolish enough to 
seek a quarrel with my husband. Is it not true?” 

“ So he has told you of that?” 

“Yes. Philip, you must not fight with Eaoul.” 

“ Why not?” 

“Because I wish that it should not be done.” 

“You fear for his life?” he asked contemptuously. 

“Ho.” 

“What then?” 


72 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


For yours.” 

He looked at her for some moments in absolute silence, 
seeming to endeavor to read her very heart. 

You have deceived me once, for God^s sake do not do 
it again. Is it that you wish me to live or to save him a 
crime?” 

‘^Both!” she answered, finding it an effort to speak a 
word. 

'"Both of us cannot live. Ho you understand ?” he 
asked grimly. 

"No, I do not. He has never harmed you, Philip. 
Only 1 am to blame.” 

"He is your husband.” 

"Is that his fault? He asked me to be his wife, as 
any man has a right to do, and I accepted.” 

" For that lie dies.” 

" He will not die, Philip.” 

" What do you mean?” 

" That if this duel takes place he will kill you.” 

" Then you will be troubled with me no more.” 

Her face turned very white. 

"Philip, Avill you give up this duel because I ask it?” 

"No!” 

She pressed her hands closely together and staggered 
slightly. 

" But if I entreat, if I beseech you ” 

" It would liave no earthly effect.” 

"Think what you are saying, Philip,” she said, ear- 
nestly, going a step nearer to him. "It means sure 
death for you, for RaouPs equal as a shot is not to be 
found. You challenged him. Withdraw it, I pray 
you.” 

" Never!” 

"Oh, what can I say? what do?” she asked, entreat- 

" Nothing, absolutely nothing,” he answered, firmly. 
" My hatred will find a means against Brownell, and if 
not, why then, I die.” 

" Do not speak so coldly of it,” said Stella, her face 
convulsed with agony, " when my heart is breaking.” 

" Are you acting now?” he asked, raising himself upon 
his elbow, and looking at her scornfully. 

"]S''o^ as God is my judge. I laugh, and glitter, antj 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Smile, and tlie world says what a happy woman, but it 
does not contain so utterly wretched a woman as I. 
You have made me reckless now. Do you think I gave 
you up of my own accord ? I loved you better than my 
life. Would I sell my life for gold? Oh, Philip, how 
little you know of a woman^s heart 

What are you saying?” he said, a crimson flush of 
eagerness rising in his pale face. I wonder if you 
know? You did not refuse my love of your own ac- 
cord?” 

^‘No, a thousand times no! I loved you wholly. I 
loved you entirely.” 

^^What caused it?” 
cannot tell you.” 

You are deceiving me again.” 

No, I swear it. It was a thing so awful, that had I 
accepted you, you would have hated me, and cursed me 
for my despicable selfishness. It would have been the 
seal of shame upon your life.” 

You speak in enigmas,” said Philip excitedly. 

Make your meaning clear, I conjure you.” 

I cannot; it is not my secret that I would betray.” 

Stella, come to me.” 

He seized her hand in his own well one, and drew her 
down upon her knees, so that her face was upon a level 
with his own. 

Look at me.” 

She obeyed him, trembling like a leaf in a storm. 

Stella, do you swear to me that as much as you have 
said is the truth?” 

I solemnly swear it.” 

^^Then answer me one more question: Do you love me 
now?” 

She bowed her head upon his hand and sobbed aloud. 

It would be criminal for me to answer you. Philip, 
oh, Philip! will you give up this duel for my sake? 
Think of my agony and torture. I cannot have you die. 
Philip, I should go mad.” 

‘^1 will give it up on one condition,” he cried eagerly, 
his eyes gleaming, his breath coming thick and fast. 

^^And that is ” 

That you fly with me, Stella. 0 my darling! life is 
useless without you; I can forget honor, home, heaven 


14: STELLA, THE STAfi. 

itself for yonr sake. I love yon, love you! I cannot livC 
without you! Say, my darling, say you will comeF" 

He extended his one arm and drew her passionately to 
his breast, kissing her beautiful lips as he had never 
kissed them in her girlhood, his very soul seeming to 
merge into hers. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

Almost overcome by her passionate emotion, Stella lay 
quite still in Philip's arms, making no resistance as his 
burning kisses fell thick and fast upon her face and lipS. 

You will come," he whispered, his voice almost in- 
audible in his agitation. You will forget everything 
but our mutual love. We will live for ourselves and love 
alonei and be happy, happy as the angels in heaven. We 
cannot live without each other, my darling. What care 
we for what the world says, so long as we are happy. 
There never was a man who loved a woman as I love you. 
What is your answer, my dearest?" 

She raised her eyes to his and was about to speak words 
which would have forever divorced her body from her soul, 
words which would have destroyed the sweet, trusting in- 
nocence of her youthful purity and rendered her, if for a 
time contented with a guilty bliss, forever lost to her 
home, her friends, her conscience and her God, but the 
Father of the Fatherless, ever mindful of His own, had 
one by to protect and save, one who knew guilt from its 
sting and who knew soirow from guilt's remorse. 

She stood before them, her great eyes glowing like 
coals, her face pale with the ghastliness of a great fear, 
lier whole being irradiated with the light of divine pity. 

“ Stella, my friend, my sister," she said, extending her 
hand and drawing her from Philip’s arms, answer, not 
as your heart dictates, but let the purity of your soul rise 
paramount and speak for you. Consent, and you prepare 
for yourself, in exchange for a brief season of happiness, 
long years of wretchedness and a misery which is not 
comparable to any other torture which the world contains. 
You lose the respect and ultimately the love of him for 
whom you make this terrible sacrifice, you destroy the 
esteem which every honest woman must feel for herself; 
you make of yourself an outcast, unable to look in the 


• STELLA, THE STAR, 


75 


faces of innocence and truth, and all for what? For a 
week, a month, a year of guilty pleasure, even then im- 
bittered and poisoned by the maddening agonies of fore- 
seen desertion, of cruel contrition, of loneliness, and des- 
olation, and death. Stella, lay aside your feeling and 
answer me from your soul, is it worth it?” 

The weight of conflicting emotions was too much for 
even Stella^s brave nature, and she bowed her head upon 
her hands, and sobbed aloud. 

^^Can you think, my dearest,” said Philip, laying his 
trembling hand caressingly upon her bowed head, “^can. 
you think me so unworthy of trust and belief as to doubt 
me in this? Am I so lost to all honor, think you?” 

^^And do you think,” interrupted Navie, passionately, 

that a tender, loving woman would hold a man through 
honor? When his love dies from want of respect, she is 
the first to feel it, she the first to know, and' her heart 
breaks in the silence between liis forced caresses, and the 
bitter sweet of lioneyed words.” 

And still Stella spoke not. 

^^Do not heed her, my sweet,” whispered Philip, -ten- 
derly. What have our lives been worth without each 
other? Have we been happy? Have we even been con- 
tent? I am like a reed tossed in the wind; I am useless, 
passionless, loveless, honorjess. Without you I have no 
past, no future, no eternity. You alone represent hope, 
and love, and bliss. I ask for nothing, apart from you. 
I am nothing without you. And you say that you love 
me, solely and entirely. If that be true, can you not 
trust me, my own? I swear, before my God, to be true 
to the trust; I swear to hold you sacred, as a gift from 
our Father in heaven.” 

You desecrate Ilis holy laws, and blaspheme,” again 
interrupted Yavie, when you speak so, Mr. Pendennis, 
you are a noble man; you have done a deed of bravery to- 
day which raises you above the common man; and we 
heard a story, later, which stamped you as a hero. Why 
will you not maintain that reputation, and not blast your- 
self with the most despicable of crimes? — stealing a maiFs 
wife while enjoying his hospitality. It was thrust upon 
you, you would say; nevertheless, you are under his roof, 
and must respect his rights. You will not listen to me 
now, but six month-s hence, when you have drank of love 


76 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


to satiety, when the cataract of blind idolatry has been 
ripped from yonr eyes, then you will see your sin in all its 
hideonsness.” 

You do but prate, returned. Philip, his face glowing 
with feeling, ‘‘ and know nothing of which you speak. 
Let Stella decide for herself, and even you shall see how 
my acts shall give your words the lie.-’^ 

“ Let me tell you a little story,^’ said Navie, standing 
before them appealingly, her small hands clasped loosely 
before her. “I will begin in the usual way and not take 
any more time than I can help. Once upon a time there 
lived a woman, beautiful to the eye, but with a heart rot- 
ten to the core — weak, grasping, and frivolous. 

Navie paused, and bowed her head, for a moment, while 
a crimson tide surged into her face, but she recovered, 
herself and continued : 

“ To this woman was born a daughter whom, as she 
grew up, men called beautiful. The payment which God 
extracted from the girl in exchange for her beauty was 
her motlier^s sin. Proud of her daughter, because she 
foresaw the admiration she would excite, and how she 
was liable to swell the exchequer, the mother sent her 
away to school, that her charm might be enhanced. Away 
from tlie foul pollution of the contaminating air, the girl 
learned to love purity for purity's sake, and to detest and 
abhor the vortex of sin and crime into which, even as a 
child, she had had a glance. 

“Her education finished, she was ordered home, and 
then began a life of slavery and terror. She was barely 
sixteen, remember, and beautiful. She refused to enter 
upon the evil career marked out for her by those who 
should have shielded and protected her; but as in Eden, 
so in hades, the serpent is wily, insidious, and circum- 
ventive. 

“ This time he was in the form of a man, handsome, 
subtle, vile as the rest, but he disguised it under a mask 
of friendship, sympathy, and love; and woman, poor, 
weak, deluded tendril, listened and believed. He pitied 
her loneliness and the infamy with which she was sur- 
rounded. He wept with her over her parent's opprobrious 
life; he called her a ‘ robin in the nest of hawks,' and all 
the time in his black, foul heart he was plotting her ruin. 
But how should she know that, innocent as she was, de- 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


77 


spite tlie wickedness of her surroundings? As women in 
happier situations have done, she listened to his plead- 
ings, his vows of love, his promise of future marriage. 

‘‘Sometimes I think he did love her, because for 
months he lived in her smile; he showered upon her the 
gifts of his wealth; but the shelter of his name, she after- 
ward learned, he could not give, because it was given al- 
ready to another. Thus he plotted her disgrace, knowing 
he could never fulfill his promises. 

“ At last he grew weary of his burden. He saw another 
face, whose beauty attracted him, and he grew cold. 
With a deadly faintness, whose feeling is only compar- 
able to death itself, she first felt, then saw it, and for the 
first time she awakened to the enormity of her crime. 
Oh, God, how she sulfered! With the feeling of the ex- 
piring wretch who clutches at the frail straw, she en- 
deavored to cling to the last faint ray of his waning love, 
but it was too weak! It struggled and went out, even 
while she clutched frantically at space. 

“ Then her love of virtue rose to a higher pitch than it 
had ever before known, but who ever extends a helping 
hand to such a woman? 

“Men sneered at her tears, women laughed cruelly 
over her vows of reformation, the whole world turned 
its back upon her. 

“ Then her mother, after entreating, commanded obe- 
dience to her horrible, unnatural wishes, until at last, 
worn out with vain endeavors, this girl ran away. She 
hid herself from her former associates, and after months 
of misery and starvation, found a position as governess 
in a family. For a few months she was happy, with a 
fretful, uncertain, remorseful content, but the shadow of 
her sin was pursuing her, even when she dreamed not, 
and the wealthy father of the happy family fell a victim 
to the poor creature’s cursed charms. The children and 
their mother loved and trusted her, and she showered 
upon them all the affection of her starving heart, when 
this new calamity befell her. Able to resist the man’s 
advances without being compelled to leave the shelter of 
his roof, she still hoped, when the inhuman mother, de- 
serted by wretches who had supplied her wants, appeared 
upon the scene, with a demand for money or betrayal in 
the event of refusal. 


78 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


I cannot describe tlie sickening horror of the girl’s 
life from that time on. It was one long siege of terror 
and humiliation. 

To-day, standing upon the brink of despair and death, 
her heart filled with misery and remorse, she curses the 
man whose false love made her what she is, and detests 
herself for her own weakness. Stella, have you any de- 
sire for such a fate? ^to be loved a day and then thrown 
away?’ If you are not happy, you have at least a con- 
science in whose face you are not afraid to look. You 
can open your arms to tho world and say, ‘ My heart is 
pure, my life is clean.’ You would live for love, you 
would live to repent, a thousand times more bitterly than 
the man in the Bible who lay in sackcloth and ashes. 
Now, Stella, what is your answer?” 

^^The cases are by no means parallel,” said Philip, his . 
face deeply colored with intense feeling. 

All cases of the kind are parallel,” answered Navie, 
warmly. ‘^Stella, will you not speak?” 

Before you do, my darling,” said Philip, don’t for- 
get to consider the happiness of my life. Forgive me for 
speaking before a third party, but the circumstances are 
unusual, and have been forced upon me. Have you the 
courage to spoil my life the second time? Do you care 
so little that you can condemn me to death or life-long 
misery? Oh, Stella, dearest, darling, I can never make 
you understand how much I love you.” 

Yes, Philip, I understand.” 

The voice was so slow, so utterly void of passion, so 
monotonous, that it sounded as though proceeding from 
the dead, while her lips were numb and stiff and almost 
immovable. 

I know how great it must be,” she continued, pain- 
fully, when you can so far forget yourself as to speak 
as you have done. Philip, with all my soul I love you. 
Let my offense end in that confession. Do not tempt me, 
Philip, for I am weak and I suffer beyond all endurance, 
but because I love you I will retain your respect, if I can. 
Remember, Philip, 

“ ‘ I could not love thee, dear, so much, 

Loved I not honor more.’ ” 


STELLA, THE STAR. 




CHAPTER XV. 

She turned from him and tottered toward the door, 
and Navie, throwing her arm about her with a protect- 
ing gesture, supported her. 

“I must beg you to pardon my presumption, Mrs. 
Brownell, said Philip, coldly, lying back upon his pil- 
low, and all the color receding from his face. forgot 
how useless it is to ask a woman like you to give up 
superior wealth and power to live in retirement with a 
man who loves her. I forgot that a woman like you 
could speah of a sacrifice and fail to make it. I forgot 
that you are 

“ — Fond, and fail, and false — in short, a woman T 

He spoke with bitter, cruel sarcasm, and Stella turned 
and looked at him. There was the dumb death-agony 
of a wounded animal in her magnificent eyes; there was 
a faint sound of a sob echoing from a broken heart; there 
was a moment in which even the trembling, outstretched 
hands spoke of anguish too deep for words — then Xavie, 
knowing so well a woman’s weakness where she loves, 
hurried her from the room. 

You have saved me, Xavie,” said Stella, in a hoarse 
whisper, when they were once alone. May God bless 
you, and yet I cannot be grateful to you just yet. How 
tender I shall always be to women who have succumbed 
to temptations possibly as sore as mine.” 

She was seated in a chair, and Xavie kneeled beside 
her, putting her arms gently around her friend’s waist. 
She did not tell her that it was her own story she had 
told. Ah, if she only had, how much misery might have 
been spared her own suffering self ? 

Stella,” she said, softly, feeling a strange thrill of 
pleasure at her words, may I kiss you?” 

As often as you like, for henceforth you are my sis- 
ter,” answered Stella, her voice trembling with emo- 
tion. 

You must come now,” said Xavie, briskly, to hide 
her tears. It is time you were at the theater. May I 
take Clochette’s place to-night?” 

am afraid you could not replace her just yet; 
but you may come also if you wish.” 


80 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Two hours later Navie stood alone Jn the greenroom of 
the theater, regarding herself in the long pier-glass, 
without seeing the image it reflected. 

Thank God I was near/’ she murmured. She is so 
good, so true, so loving. It would have been the ruin of 
a noble life, self-sacrificing and generous. And how he 
loves her. Even his insults are the result of maddening 
passion. 

You here. Miss Arnold?” 

The slow, careless voice was that of Raoul Brownell, 
who walked, with easy grace, to her side. 

^^Yes, it is I,” answered Navie, turning and facing 
him, her cheeks growing white, as she remembered her 
promise to him for the first time. 

Where is my wife?” 

On the stage. The act is on. Is it not an unusual 
thing for you to be here?” 

Yes; but I was passing and concluded to run in for a 
moment. I am glad now. Have you kept your promise 
to me so far, Navie?” 

“1 have kept it,” she answered, slowly, endeavoring to 
retain her perfect self-control. 

AVell?” 

What do you wish to know?’ 

^^Are you striving to evade? I wish to know if my 
wife has had any conversation with Philip Pendennis?” 

She has!” 

Brownell grew white with passion. 

And I forbade it,” he said, gnashing his teeth sav- 
agely. You heard all that passed between them?” 

I heard.” 

Havie began to grow cold with fear. She dared not re- 
fuse to answer his questions, she despised a lie, and yet 
could she tell him the truth? 

What did they say?” 

^^Ile insulted her,” answered Havie, hesitatingly. 

And she?” 

^^Did not reply to him.” 

^^She certainly spoke some words. What were they?” 

Words of noble sentiment, and great feminine pur- 
ity.” 

And yet you said she did not speak.” 

I said she did not reply to his insults.” 


STELLA, TBE STAR, 


81 


He spoke oilier words, then?’^ 

Kavie paused. 

You are trying to deceive me,^' said Brownell, sternly. 

Don^t do it. Miss Arnold, for your own sake. Now, 
tell me, and truly, what passed.'’^ 

I did most of the talking. She — she tried to per- 
suade him not to fight with you."’^ 

'^What did she say?” 

That you were an unerring shot and would kill him. 
She begged him, for her sake, to withdraw the chal- 
lenge. She told him that she alone was to blame, not 
you.” 

'^And he ” 

Kefused.” 

Did you hear — now, mind you speak the truth — did 
you hear her refer to any reason why she did not marry 
him?” 

She did not tell him.” 

Are you sure?” 

Navie drew herself up proudly. 

I am your spy, a person who has sold herself to a 
despicable calling, but I am not given to lying.” 

Brownell bow'ed. 

Your pardon,” he said, coldly, but with mock hu- 
mility. 

Was there nothing else?” 

Navie was silent. 

Navie,” cried Brownell, his passion rising even 
higher, you are concealing something from me. Do 
you wish to return to the life from which I am striving 
to rescue you?” 

She shivered. 

I am in your power. Believe me, I would never have 
consented to your contemptible terms, had I not known 
that she is as pure as an angel. I have watched her 
closely, and far from having my opinion changed, it is 
confirmed. Will that not satisfy you?” 

^^No; I must judge for myself. You must tell me all 
or nothing. Does she love Philip Pendennis.” 

And if she does, what then? Can a woman control 
her heart, think you? Even should its object prove un- 
worthy, even though there be a barrier impossible of re- 
moval between them., does it change her love?” 


BTELLA, THE BTAH. 


You have not answered my question/^ 

^^She loves him, but she is worthy of all trtist and re- 
gard/' answered Navie, hesitating between each word. 

She was scarcely prepared for the livid, white-heat 
hatred which seemed to scorch BrownelFs face. 

He turned upon his heel and walked away, making no 
reply to her words, his head erect, his arms crossed upon 
his chest, his teeth buried savagely in his under lip; 

A second later he met some member of the cast, and 
was at once the elegant, debonair man of the world. 

^^Now what have I done?^^ said Navie, unconsciously 
speaking aloud. What else could I say? I will be true 
to her at the cost of my life, and yet 1 must not offend 
him. She is as true as the stars, and if ever I prove un- 
grateful to her, niay God forget to pardon me.” 

As if you had any sins for which to ask pardon,” 
murmured a laughing voice beside her. Are you re- 
hearsing here all by yourself. Miss Arnold?” 

Her beautiful face crimsoned and her eyes drooped be** 
fore Earlscourt’s admiring gaze. 

Yes, I have been rehearsing, but I am unable to find 
out what line comes next, and it troubles me.” 

Is it a scene from real life, from a drama off the 
stage?” asked Earlscourt, earnestly. Perhaps, if you 
will read it to me, I may be able to assist you.” 

I have no right to confide even in you, who are so 
noble and true. Mr. Earlscourt, you are an old friend of 
Stella BrownelPs, are you not?” 

One of the oldest she has. I have known her since 
she was a child, and I love her as a sister.” 

May I say something to you in confidence?” 

Need you ask?” 

No, I think not; and yet I hesitate, because her 
secret came to me by chance, and I cannot use it as 
though it were my own. She is in great trouble, the 
greatest which the world holds for a woman— an un- 
happy love. She is beset with dangers, which are all the 
more perilous because they are, to an extent, unseen, and 
even if seen are uninterpretable. You must be careful 
and on the lookout for her. She has no father, no 
brother, and her rightful protector is not her friend, as 
jealous men never are.” 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


83 


I understand you, and will do all in my power to 
prove useful to her/' 

‘‘Let us change the subject. It is a dangerous one 
here. By tlie way, how happens it that you are here to- 
night, and at this hour?" 

I have a night off. Am not in the bill, and came up 
to see Stel. She will be down soon now I suppose. Do 
you know Pendennis has challenged Brownell?" 

‘^Yes. She knows also." 

Pendennis is a vile shot, but a rattling good fellow." 

Louise, baron, baroness," shrieked the call-boy at 
the top of his small, shrill voice, calling out the names 
of members of the cast. 

Stella will be down in a moment now," said Earls- 
court, ‘‘but only for a moment." 

“ She is acting wonderfully to-night. The story of 
‘Frou-Frou' is something like her own," said Navie. 

“Never," answered Farlscourt decidedly. “Nothing 
could ever tempt Stella Northcote to become like poor 
Gilberte. There is no such thing as erring to a woman 
like that." 

Navie turned cold and shuddered. 

“Are you so ungenerous as to condemn an error wdtli 
no inquiry into the cause, with no consideration for the 
terrible temptation?" 

“1 might pity, but that is a sin which admits no cure. 
It is a sealed fate, and no power can wipe out the stain. 
‘Honor, like life, once lost, is lost forever.'" 

“You are too harsh!" cried Navie, pressing her hands 
together convulsively. “ What, then, does repentance 
and remorseful tears avail when the lips of mercy are 
sealed forever and hope barred out through all eternity?" 

“You speak broadly and forget God. In that other 
world it is repaid with heavenly bliss, but not in this." 

“You believe that?" asked Navie, trembling violently 
in her agitation. 

“I do." 

“ You would then never marry sucli a woman, no mat- 
ter how you loved her?" 

“Never. I would never care to clasp her in my arms. 
I would tear the heart out that dared to love her. But 
we speak upon a subject which you cannot know any- 


84 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


thing abonfc, and Il)eg your pardon. I cann-ot tell why 
I have spoken so strongly, for the thing is rendered im- 
possible, since with all my heart I love you/^ 


CHAPTEE XVL 

Xavie drew back, an intense horror, beyond all words 
of description, crossing her face. A low exclamation of 
grief and terror fell from her pallid lips, and she stag- 
gered like a drunken man. 

Earlscourt sprung toward her, his fine, expressive face 
quivering with emotion. 

What is it?’^ he cried, catching her hands tightly in 
his own. Just Heaven! It cannot be ” 

^^It is nothing,” interrupted Havie, endeavoring to 
force a smile to her chilled lips. ‘‘You startled me, 
that is all.” 

“But how pale you are!” 

“Was it not enough to make my cheeks grow livid?” 

“I cannot see it so. I had hoped it might bring a 
blush of tenderness, a light of answering love to your 
eyes.” 

Her head drooped. 

The light in her eyes, could he but have seen it, was 
of inborn, passionate agony, but he could not see. He 
could only feel the agitated trembling of her small, im- 
prisoned hands. 

“Is my love so unwelcome a thing to you, Havie,” he 
asked softly, “that it frightens you?” 

“Ho; it is my unworthiness which frightens me.” 

“ In what way are you unworthy, my darling?” 

“ I am so friendless, so ignorant, so poor, so devoid of 
any of the attributes which would make you happy.” 

Earlscourt laughed lightly. 

“Is that all?” he asked gently. “I shall have none 
of your ‘friends' to be jealous of; I shall teach you only 
what I wish you to know, and I have plenty of money 
for two, consequently your drawbacks are advantages. 
Have you any more objections to offer?” 

She was silent, a strange, dusky flush coming to her 
ghastly face. 

“ You do not answer me,” continued Earlscourt, press- 


STELLA, THE STAB, 


85 


ing her hands tenderly. “Will you not tell me, Navie, 
that my love is not despised? Will you not tell me that 
you love me in, return 

She raised her eyes to his for one brief instant, all 
eloquent with suppressed passion and tenderest love. 

“It is a weak word,” she answered, with a sweet, 
tremulous, evanescent smile, “and a poor expression for 
an overflowing heart.” 

“ My darling!” he whispered, his handsome face 
flushed with joy. “My own little one; and you will be 
my wife, Navie? Say it, dear one, that I may have the 
bliss of hearing the sweet words from your beautiful 
lips.” 

“ Mrs. Brownell at last,” gasped Navie, wrenching her 
hands from his grasp and springing eagerly forward. 
“ How long you have been.” 

“You here, Ted?” asked Stella, shaking his hand, 
cordially. 

“ Yes, I was only just telling Havie I am out of the 
bill to-night. How lovely you are to-night, Stella.” 

“ You will make me vain,” she said, striving to smile. 

The house is something beautiful — packed from pit to 
dome.” 

“As if you cared. I am afraid your heart is not in 
the house to-night, dear Stel.” 

“You are mistaken. Were it not for my art, I could 
never endure my bitter troubles. I pity the suffering of 
my character, and I contrast the usual nobility of a pict- 
ured woman with the weakness of the reality. I sympa- 
thize with her temptations, and I see how poor my suf- 
fering is compared with hers. These things have been, 
else they could never suggest themselves to the brain of 
man. A slender, cold house dampens my ardor. So you 
see I am interested.” 

“ Good-evening, Earlscourt ; glad to see you.” 

The speaker wuis Brownell, and fora few moments the 
conversation became general; then Navie found herself 
across the room with Brownell, though how he had con- 
trived it she could never have told. 

“ Havie,” he said, gently, “ donT think I mean to in- 
quire from idle curiosity into your affairs, but I think 
Ted Earlscourt asked you to be his wife, did he not?” 

“ Yes,” she answered faintly. 


8(5 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


^^And you accepted?’^ 

Do you think so vilely of me? I could not so wrong 
liim/^ 

You are foolish. Why do you throw away your lifers 
happiness like that?^'’ 

He would despise me if he knew. I have sealed my 
own doom. There is no hope for me — none.-’^ 

Why need he know?’^ 

She looked at him in amazement. 

Become his wife and see him afterward loathe and 
detest me for my duplicity? NeverT^ 

‘^You do not understand a man^s disposition. lie 
need never know; and if he should, his anger would not 
endure against his love.” 

How was she, poor, inexperienced girl, to know that 
his words were only suggested by liis own desire? How 
was she to understand tlie hypocrisy of his disposition? 

She was silent, and he paused to allow his words to 
take effect. 

She would tell him,” she said at last, below her 
breath. “ She would never let me be happy.” 

^^But if I promise to buy her silence for you?” 

Why do you take this interest in me?” 

‘^Because I do not believe with the greater portion of 
the world in condemning and giving no opportunity for 
reformation. 1 am sorry for you, Havie, and I will do 
all in my power to help you to a better life and happi- 
ness. You love Earlscourt, do you not?” 

God knows I do.” 

Why, then, will you spoil his life and your own by 
this oversensitiveness?” 

fear. You do not know him.” 

^^Can I not purchase that woman^s silence? From all 
else you are safe.” 

‘‘Hot from my own conscience,” cried Havie passion- 
ately. “I would forever separate myself from peace and 
contentment. I would have my sleep disturbed with 
groans, my waking cold with fear. I would dream of the 
judgment which God keeps for such as I. I would trem- 
ble and shake in the sight of man, and even the spangles 
of the vaulted heavens would find voice to cry out, 
‘Traitress! dissembler!’ Ah, Tis homble, odious, ex- 
ecrable.” ' ' 


STt^LLA, THE Sl^AE. 


^^Yoii excite yourself uselessly, and without cause. 
That feeling, if it existed at all, w£)uld soon fade away, 
and you would find consolation in a husband's loving care 
and protection. He loves you, and you reciprocate. 
Once his wife, your tenderness, your truth, your deep re- 
morse will all speak for you, and if ever he should know, 
he will worship you for your very silence." 

Ho, no, you mistake him. He would spurn me, 
curse me, despise me, and I should die, if the world still 
contained a dagger or any instrument to kill. If I ever 
saw his eyes, which regard me now with such devotion^ 
look with contempt upon me^ that hour would be my last^ 
I swear iti" 

He saw that he had an advantage, he saw she was los-* 
ing her strength, he saw that she would not hold out 
much longer against his persuasion, when her own incli- 
nation prompted her to allow him to guide her, and he 
worked upon that advantage. 

One cannot but admire your scruples," he said, in- 
sidiously, but it seems to me that there is a great deal 
of selfishness mixed with little love and less desire." 

It is not want of love. Heaven knows," returned 
Havie, in an utterly weary, heartbroken voice. ^‘1 
would walk blind and barefoot over the whole world if I 
could obtain for him one day of happiness; I would 
place my life in misery, and degradation, and want, if 
by so doing I could purchase his contentment." 

^^Havie, will you listen to me? I am a man, and I 
know a man's heart. I come from a family of noble 
blood, on whose escutcheon not one spot or blemish has 
ever appeared. I tell you, I, who am accounted an hon- 
orable man, that there is no sin which my wife could 
have committed for which I would not have forgiven her, 
if she had come to me with truth in her heart and said, 
^Kaoul, I love you.'" 

You say so?" 

I svv^ear it!" 

will dare it. I will go to him and tell him all, 
concealing not one jot of my past life, and let him de- 
cide." 

But that was not Brownell's purpose. 

The course he had marked out for himself demanded 
an accomplice. He knew Navie's gratitude to and love 


88 


STELLA, THE STaE. 


for Stella, and lie wished to place her completely in his 
own power, where she would have no will apart from his, 
where every act of her life would be regulated by him. 

And she? Poor, blind, hunted thing, how was she to 
know the blackness of almost every heart? the cool 
fortitude with which a man will wreck a life to gain his 
own ends? 

‘^That would not do,^^said Brownell, seeming to think 
deeply. You must not tell him. Will you not trust 
me, Navie? Why do you insist upon making yourself so 
miserable? I will see the woman you fear, and I will 
bring you an assurance of her silence. Will you not let 
me do one good deed in my life, Navie? Will you not 
let me save you ?^^ 

She held out a wavering, trembling hand to him, and 
he clasped it eagerly. 

“ You are very good to me,^^ she said, faintly. 

And you will permit me to steer you through.^” he 
asked, eagerly. 

The water is dark and full of rocks, the shoals are 
near and filled with quicksand. It is a dangerous ex- 
periment you undertake."’^ 

I am not afraid.^^ 

^^ISTavie,^^ said Stella, crossing the room to her side, 
followed by Earlscourt, Ted has just been giving me 
an explanation of your peculiar situation as I entered the 
room. He has asked you to become his wife. I am very 
glad for you.^^ 

But she has not answered me,^^ interrupted Earls- 
court, a happy light illuminating his eyes. 

"'There can be but one answer to you, Ted,^^ returned 
Stella. "Come heiie, child, and give me your hand.^^ 

Trembling and hesitating, Navie did as she was bid- 
den. 

Stella laughingly placed it in EarlscourPs strong palm, 
which closed over it hungrily. 

"There, bless you both, my children, she said, play- 
fully, concealing her emotion at another's happiness. 

Navie bowed her head, and in her heart asked God’s 
mercy and forgiveness. 

The bell tinkled and the curtain fell upon the first act 
of a drama in real life. A tragedy loomed in the dis- 
tance, rearing its hideous head, but unseen. The princi- 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


pal actress gave a little fluttering sigli and rushed away 
to prepare for the second act in her drama on the stage; 
the husband who would have his punishment meted out, 
congratulated them and followed his wife, and the lovers 
were left alone. 


CHAPTEE XVIL 

Come to me; I am dying. 

^AIadeloi^ Marblehead.” 

"With a cry of surprise, mingled with something like 
horror, Navie* Arnold sprung from her great easy-chair, 
in Stella BrownelFs boudoir, and reread the words 
which the telegram contained. 

They had both been sitting communing with their own 
thoughts for some time, oblivious to the flight of hours, 
when Clochette entered and placed the yellow envelope 
in Navie's hand. 

Quite mechanically she had torn it open, but her great 
eyes opened wide and a feeling of astonishment and some 
unbelief took the place of her sweet, almost peaceful 
smile. 

What is it?” asked Stella, aroused from her reverie by 
Xaviers evident excitement. 

My mo the woman who brought me up is dying,” 

cried Xavie. She has sent for me.” 

IIow did she know where you were?” asked Stella, in 
surprise. 

I cannot tell,” answered Xavie, equivocally; but 
she does know.” 

You will not go?” 
must.” 

But suppose it should be only a ruse to regain pos- 
session of you?” 

How could it be?” 

You are under age, and your mother, or legal guard- 
ian, has a perfect right to you.” 

Could she not come here and take me, if she so de- 
sired, knowing so well whore I am?” questioned Navie, 
her face growing painfully red. 

I suppose you are right/^ answered Stella; ^^but yoq 
■will not go alone?” 


90 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


I should prefer it/’ . ^ 

Stella drew back in her chair, andspringing to herside, 
Kavie knelt down and jdaced her arms about her friend^s 
waist. 

‘•'Do not be angry with me, my dearest friend,^^ she 
said, gently, tears dimming her lustrous eyes. “I am in 
a most peculiar position, and the hard part of it is, that 
I cannot explain it to you because — because the — the se- 
cret — if it may be called one, is not — not entirely my 
own. But I hope you believe and know that I am not 
wicked or deliberately sinful, and that I will never prove 
unfaithful or untrue to you or — or to him. You trust 
me, do you not?’^ 

“Yes, dear,-’^ answered Stella, kissing her affection- 
ately. “I wish you could tell me all your life, it might 
be better for us all. I do not know why I should trust 
you, since you were, a few short days ago, such an utter 
stranger to me^ but there is something about yon, aside 
from your beauty and youth, which appeals to my heart, 
which makes me feel your purity, and which tells me that 
you would die, ere you would betray a friend, or prove 
false to a trnst.^^ 

Navie bowed her head in her friend^s lap, and the im- 
pulse which God sends us all, tlie opportunity He offers 
us to save ourselves from misery and humiliation and 
death, came to her. She opened her dry, stiff lips to tell 
Stella the miserable secret of her life, but she closed them 
again, she would not give up the few days of painful, yet 
sweet, bliss which were to be hers. She felt her lover’s 
warm, impassioned kisses upon her lips again in her im- 
agination, and she would have sacrificed all hope of an 
after life for the sake of the repetition of the sweet real- 
ity. For the first time, she had tasted of the honey of 
true and pure reciprocal love, and its very purity lield her. 
The very remembrance brought a smile of happiness, of 
delirious, unthinking Joy to her face, even in the pres- 
ence of her unforgotten sin, and the opportunity was 
lost. 

“You are good to me, she whispered, “very good, 
and I shall try so earnestly to deserve it all. I am happy, 
Stella, so happy that I almost wish God would take me 
now, before there can be any diminution.” 

“ You have won the love of a noble man^” answered 


STELLA, THE STaE. 


91 


Stella, witli a heavy sigh, and I pray Heaven ' it may 
continue yours through all eternity/ I was happy once 
witli a like happiness. J\ly heart sang, the sun shed its 
burning radiance over rny life, and the ^ whole world 
seemed flower -strewn; but it all died in an hour, one lit- 
tle hour, and my life has changed from rose-hue to somber 
black, and an impenetrable mist of thick, murky clouds 
has settled before my vision. Child, let nothing ever 
come between you and your love. It is the one thing in 
the world which makes life worth living. It is the sun- 
light in the darkness, the pulsation of the heart, the 
heaven of earth. Deceive him in nothing, lest in the 
dim future the small cloud enlarges, expands before your 
eyes, and suddenly bursts, sweeping away joy and love 
and life in the mighty swell of its rushing torrents.” 

Pale and trembling from the effects of the mental 
vision which Stella^s words had conjured up, Navie arose 
to her feet, kissed her, and hurried from the room. 

She quickly changed her dress, replaced it with one of 
dark, plain material, and, covering her quivering face 
with a heavy veil, left the house on foot. 

She pulled the bell of a brown- stone house. A girl in 
a French cap and maid^s apron answered her ring, and 
immediately conducted her to her mistress'' private apart- 
ment. 

The room was large and airy, magniflcently furnished 
in that flashy style always displayed by plebeian taste. 
The coloring was painfully bright, the hric-a-hrac osten- 
tatiously flne. 

Upon a bed covered with silk and lace lay a woman in 
middle-life, whose years showed even greater because of 
the absence of the accustomed coat of rouge and powder 
which usually concealed the coarseness and discoloration 
of the leathery skin. The eyes were set, and staring with 
tliat glazed expression which precedes death, the bleached 
hair was brushed back from the high, almost bald fore- 
head. It was so plainly the wreck of the dissolute, that 
Navie drew her wrap more closely about her and shivered. 

The poor, lost thing held out a feeble hand and mo- 
tioned her daughter to her side. 

‘^I am dying,” she said in a hoarse, hollow whisper. 
*^Ten minutes more and you would have been too late. 
Are you sorry, Havie?” 


92 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Five eyes, growing so dim with rapidly approaching 
dissolution, were raised appealingly to the clear ones be- 
side her, and Navie’s tender, loving, gentle heart was 
touched. 

am sorry, she answered softly. Sorry to see 
you like this, more sorry when I think of the account 
you will soon be compelled, to render to your God.:!^ 

An expression of intense fear crossed the pallid lips, 
and a low cry of terror escaped them. 

There will be no account with God,^^ said the poor 
woman, with a horrible gasping for breath. “ I shall go 
straight to that burning fire which the Bible tells us is 
prepared for such as I. It is not the conscience, do not 
believe it, Navie, for mine is so seared that even God 
could not awaken it, but I can already feel the hot flames 
lashing me; I can hear the frightful roaring and crack- 
ling; I can see the awful agony of those indestructible 
souls, lost as I am, shrieking, screaming and praying in 
their dreadful torture, but the flames only leap higher 
in their fearful gambols, and the victims burn on, as they 
will forever. My account is settled with my Maker, and 
the infernal regions have opened to receive me.^^ 

^^Hush! hush! you excite yourself,^' said Navie, lay- 
ing her hand upon the distorted face. “It is not too 
late. God is always ready to forgive. 

“ If I could undo my wrong He might. If I could re- 
store the homes to which 1 have brought destruction; if 
I could give back your purity and innocence and truth. 

The beautiful face beside her grew even paler than its 
wont. 

“ But you will be happier, Navie, now that you will 
have nothing to dread from your own mother, will you 
not?’^ asked the dying woman pitifully. 

“ Yes, I shall be happier, answered Navie truthfully, 
“ Now that I am dying,^^ went on the poor creature, 
her voice trembling and broken, “ now that my sins rise 
up before me in all their hideous blackness, now that I 
see the accursed wrong I have done you, my mother- 
heart rises in my bosom, and remorse lashes me like the 
sting of a heavy whip. If I could only know that you 
are safe, safe from the life which has made of me the 
guilty thing that 1 am, God^s plummet would strike me 
with less force. 


BTELLA, THE STAR, 


OB 


am Safe; you need not fear for me/^ answered 
Navie tremulously. “I will have a strong man^s love to 
lean upon, a noble name to shelter me.'’^ 

He will make you his wife?” asked Madelon Marble- 
head nervously. 

Yes,” answered Navie softly. 

Does he know?” 

^^ISTo.” 

Tliere was a momentary pause in the chamber of death, 
and when the woman spoke her voice was perceptibly 
weaker. 

^‘Be careful, child. You have a double-edged sword 
over your head. Go to him and tell him, trusting to his 
love.” 

I cannot,” returned Havie heavily. I would die 
before he should know. He would not forgive; he told 
me so.” 

Havie, Navie!” cried her mother, with what force re- 
mained to her, you are preparing some horrible fate 
for yourself; 1 cannot tell what, but I see the dark out- 
line in the dim future. You cannot always live a lie; 
you will betray yourself, or others will recognize you and 
speak.” 

‘‘ Willard Sanford is dead, is he not?” 

^^Yes.” 

Then whom have I to fear?” 

Where is Hallow and Caldwell?” 

^‘They would never say a word, and besides I am never 
likely to meet them.” 

‘'You cannot tell. All sins, whether of your own 
creation or not, are like murder, and will come home to 
you when least expected.” 

“Then I will enjoy my life and his love while ! may, 
and when he hears, there will always be a dagger.” 

“ You speak recklessly, and forget the awful shadow of 
fear which will darken your love. Think of it, and 
think well. Now, open that drawer in the escritoire be- 
side you, and hand me the gold case and package of let- 
ters which you will find.” 

Navie did as she was directed. 

The weak, trembling hands received them, and open- 
ing the case, she looked long and earnestly at the pictured 
face it contained. 


94 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


I can hardly see it/^ she murmured. My eyes are 
blurred and even memory has grown dim. Navie, there 
is the man whom I once loved and who loved me. 
Navie, there is the picture of your father as he was 
twenty-four years ago, even then in middle life.'^^ 

Navie received the portrait, and as her eyes fell upon 
the face, she started forward and almost dropped it. 

Do you know him?^^ asked the once beautiful wreck, 
faintly. 

"'No; but his face is that of Philip Pendennis, grown 
older and a trifle gray.^^ 

"The face is that of Daniel Pendennis, his father.” 

Navie uttered a low, hoarse cry and started forward. 

" What!” she ejaculated, vehemently. "Do you swear 
this? Do you tell me that Philip Pendennis is my 
brother?” 

" I swear that you are children of the same father. 
Here are his letters to prove to you what I say. My God, 
child a sudden thought seeming to cross her numb- 
ing brain — " he is not ” 

"Not the man I love, no,” answered Navie, "but 
yestei’day I saved him from the most dishonorable act 
that ever man committed against another. It is strange, 
is it not?” 

" Very — strange! All my — strength is — gone — and the 
light is out. Read the — the letters. Navie — my — little 
girl — do you forgive?” 

"Yes, oh, surely yes! but let me summon some one to 
help you. I have been so careless. Where is the doc- 
tor?” 

" No one can help — me now. Stay — where you — are. 
Navie — my own child — kiss me good-bye.” 

Navie leaned forward and pressed her lips upon those 
beside her, already grown cold, and the weak, nerve- 
less arms, with the last effort of life, clasped themselves 
about the giiTs beautiful neck. 

" Good-bye, darling,” she whispered, and when the 
girl raised her head, the last fetter which bound Navie 
Arnold to the bitter past had been severed. 

But alas, the sin of an evil deed rests and abides with 
us forever! 


STELLA, THE STAE, 


95 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

Raoul, may I come in?'^ 

The voice, usually full, strong, and musical, was low 
and tremulous, as Stella thrust her lovely head of reddish 
gold into her husband's private room. . 

Certainly,'' he answered, raising his head from some 
writing which lay before him. 

He arose and ceremoniously placed a chair for her, 
gently closing the door after she had entered, and re- 
sumed his own seat. 

^^You are up early this morning, are you not?" he 
asked. 

Rather," she answered, timidly; ^^but there never 
seems hours enough in the day for me to accomplish what 
I have designed to do." 

Raoul smiled pleasantly. 

^^Is not this industry a rather new and sudden whim?" 

^^Xot particularly. I am teaching Xavie now, and it 
takes a great deal of my time. Her mother is dead." 

'MVhat!" exclaimed Brownell, looking at his wife 
sharply. 

Did not she tell you? It has made Navie even more 
strange than she was before, and yet there is an element 
about her which demands trust and confidence." 

You are right," answered Brownell, a trifle relieved 
that Xavie had not made a confidante of his wife. 

She plays to-night for the first time, and her beauty 
will make a sensation." 

You think so? It is nothing compared with yours." 

Stella did not change color at his compliment, and 
Brownell bit his lip with vexation that he had so little 
power to move her. 

^^Is there anything which I can do for her to-night?" 
he asked, to break the pause which followed his words. 

Thanks, no, I think not," answered Stella, twisting 
a handsome ribbon which bound her gown at the waist. 

Stella, you have something to say to me. Am I not 
correct?" 

Yes." 

Why do you not say it? Am I such a terrible person 
that you can find no words in which to speak to me?" 


96 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


It is not that, Raoul. Philip Pendennis has gone."^ 

His face darkened. 

Gone where 

Home.^^ 

He is better, then?’^ 

ISr — no, I think not, but he would not remain here 
longer. ^ 

After his recent behavior, I did not give him credit 
for even that much delicacy of feeling.-’^ 

— I think you wrong him, Raoul.^^ 

^^In what way?'’ he asked, stiffly. 

He is not so much to blame. Remember how he was 
treated.” 

Have you come to me again with excuses for your old 
lover? If so, I must beg that you will pardon me if I 
leave the room.” 

Do not go, Raoul.” 

Then let us drop that subject. I have heard nothing 
else since my return to this cursed city but a whine about 
Philip Pendennis.” 

I will never speak of him again, if you will make me 
a promise.” 

But I will not make it,” he answered, curtly. He 
loves you and you love him. For that he dies.” 

^^Who told you that I loved him, Raoul?” 

The question came with such timidity, the voice was 
so low and unsteady, that Brownell scarcely heard the 
words and yet he knew they had been spoken. 

^^Bah! Every word you speak tells me, every act of 
your life betrays it.” 

“ And if — if I should tell you that it is not true, 
Raoul ” 

I would not believe you,” he interrupted, viciously. 

She turned wearily away, and covered her lovely, quiv- 
ering face with her hands. 

‘‘Of what use is it to become a liar and a traitor to 
my own heart?” she whispered to' herself, “when I can 
accomplish nothing. But I will move him. He must 
not, shall not kill my darling, my own true love, not if I 
sell my soul to save him. Oh, Philip, Philip!” 

“Raoul,” she said, aloud, removing her hands, but 
averting her face lest he should read in her true eyes the 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


97 


falsity of her words and meaning, why will you insist 
upon it that my love is given to him?^^ 

I do not. You have told me so yourself many times, 
and it is the truth. 

Suppose I told you that I believed it once. That 
onc*^ I was foolish enough to believe he was more than all 
the world to me; but that of late I have discovered my 
mistake. Would you trust me, Kaoul?’^ 

For a moment dead silence prevailed in the room. 

Stella, unaccustomed as she was to telling falsehoods, 
hesitated and stammered over her words, giving them an 
appearance of truth, which they otherwise would have 
lacked. 

Looking at her flushing and paling face — not daring 
to believe what he saw plainly she was striving to con- 
vince him of — Brownell remained mute, his eyes staring, 
his face ghastly. 

You do not answer, she whispered again. 

Eising unsteadily to his feet, he crossed to her, and, 
kneeling before her, seized her hands in a grasp like 
iron. 

^^Look at me,^Mie said, hoarsely, ^^and if there is 
truth in you, let it speak from your soul to mine.'’'’ 

Calling to her aid all her woman’s powers of dis- 
sembling, she made a violent effort, and lifted her eyes 
to his. 

ne gazed at her long and earnestly; then throwing 
her hands violently from him, he staggered to his feet. 

^'It is false!’'’ he muttered, in a parched, hard voice. 

would give my life even to believe the lie, but I 
cannot. Do not try to deceive me, Stella, for I love you 
so passionately that it would make a madman of me.” 

She arose, and laid her hand lightly upon his arm. 

Then if that be true,” she said, softly, ^^you will 
give up this duel for my sake.” 

‘^By Heaven, no!” he cried, shaking off her hand 
roughly. You perjure your soul with the- blackest 
falsehood that ever woman spoke to save him, but it 
shall not be. ' He dies if I hang within the hour.” 

You wrong me, Kaoul,” exclaimed Stella, a shudder 
convulsing her at his threat. It is not for Philip’s 
life that I fear — it is your life and your honor.” 

He turned upon her like a wild animal, and seized her 


98 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


head between liis hands, turning it back until he could 
look well into her eyes. 

^^Now tell me that again,” he said, slowly, his hungry 
eyes seeming to devour her beautiful face. ^^Tell me 
that you love me and not Philip Pendennis; make me 
know that you speak the truth, and there is not a 
power on earth which could tempt me to raise a hand 
against his life. Speak, but do not try to deceive 
me.” 

do not know what to say to convince you,” an- 
swered Stella, a low, dry sob choking her silvery voice. 

can only tell you that I love you.” 

My darling!” he whispered, his hot breath scorching 
her cheek. Swear to me that I may be sure. I am 
skeptical, because it seems too good to be real.” 

Fearful of betraying herself, and to avoid the glad light 
in his eyes, Stella thrust his hands aside and threw her- 
self upon his breast, sobbing her heart out. 

It was the very consummation of art, though it was a 
stroke suggested by the fear of conscience. 

You have conquered, my dearest,” he said, straining 
her to him passionately, and Raoul Brownell is the 
proudest, happiest man that earth holds.” 

He led her to a couch and sat beside her, and she al- 
lowed him to hold her in his arms while she sobbed on 
upon his breast. 

She pitied him for the wrong she was doing him, for 
the hitherto misunderstood love which he bore her; she 
hated herself for the abominable part she was playing, 
and she loved Philip all the more, worshiping him with 
all the mad, unreasoning passion of a woman^s nature, 
even for the sacrifice she was making for him. 

Do not cry, dear one,” he said to her, as he lifted the 
sweet, tear-stained, drooping face and brushed the tears 
away with his own handkerchief. ‘^Oh, Stella, if giving 
happiness causes it, you should be a contented' woman, for 
you have made me frantic with joy! Why have you not 
told me of this before?” * 

Possibly I did not know it myself,” she answered, a 
little wintery smile crossing her perfect lips. 

‘"You— you thought you loved him, did you not, 
Stella?” > } , 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


99 


thought so — yes,” she replied, averting her face 
again lest he should read the miserable truth. 

^'How did you find your mistake?” 

By questioning my own heart.” 

Forgive me, my own, for submitting you to these 
jealous doubts, but I can scarcely trust my own good 
fortune. I never hoped to hold you thus, Stella.” 

^'No?” she questioned unsteadily. 

Are you glad to be here, dear wife?” 

Very glad,” she returned, drearily. 

There is something in your voice which sounds so 
deadly cold. All the joy, and youth, and happiness 
seem to have deserted you. Is it my imagination, 
Stella?” 

Probably it is the reaction with me,” she answered, 
endeavoring to invest her voice with a little animation 
once more. I have been very miserable and laboring 
under terrible excitement, Raoul.” 

I know, my sweet, and I have caused it all. Can 
you forgive me?” 

There is nothing to forgive.” 

Stella — will you kiss me — just once?” 

He asked his question with a deep blush; and hesitated 
like a schoolboy over it. 

She raised her face to his, closed her eyes, and kissed 
him, with what resemblance to love she could summon, 
and then submitted to the shower of grateful caresses 
which he lavished upon her. 

There, there, Raoul,” she cried at last, pushing him 
from her with a shudder concealed under a smile, do 
not devour me, I pray. Now sit at a decorous distance 
and listen to me.” 

Something must be allowed a starved man,” he an- 
swered, joyously. I will listen forever, but not at a 
‘ decorous distance.^ Go on.” 

He drew her to him, and laid her head against his 
shoulder, and she was glad that it was so, as it took her 
face from the line of his vision. 

I have a favor to ask of you, Raoul.” 

^^AYhat is it, sweet? Put it in the form of command, 
for I shall obey your slightest behest.” 

^MVe have never had a honeymoon, Raoul, you and I, 


loo 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


like other young married people. Suppose you buy me 
oil from tlie Fifth Avenue, and let us take it now.'" 

Can you mean it, Stella?" he asked, scarcely cred- 
iting her words. Will you give up your beloved stage 
for my sake?" 

Is it not as much for my own? I do not give it up. 
I only rest awhile. Will you do it, Eaoul?" 

^^AVill I? Ask me if I will avail myself of any prec- 
ious privilege which Heaven sees fib to send." • 

^^The end of this week, then. How I must go. It is 
getting late, and I have much to do." 

‘^Must you, really? How happy I shall be when I 
may have you all to myself once and for my very own." 

You deserve more even than I thought, Eaoul, dear, 
and — I ask you to forgive me for a wrong I have done 
you." 

Her voice quivered and broke as she spoke, but he cov- 
ered her emotion with a kiss. 

Your dear love more than makes up for all," he an- 
swered. 

For one moment she hid her face upon his breast, then 
she tore herself from his encircling arms and rushed 
headlong to her own room. 

Once alone, she threw herself, face forward, upon the 
floor, and bitter, blinding tears streamed from her eyes. 

How can I ever bear it," she cried aloud. “ Ob, this 
is horrible, enduring misery, but I will try! So help me, 
God! I will try to be a good and gentle wife to him for 
the nobility he has shown to-dayf I am a wretched, de- 
ceptive sneak, and I hate myself — oh, how I hate myself! 
I have been false to the two who love me so, and doubly 
false to myself; Heaven help me! But I will try!" 

And so she lay, sobbing and moaning, until Havie en- 
tered and found her there. 

She had resolved, but can any good come from the pit 
of deception and fraud? 


CHAPTEE XIX. 

Clochette, you may go to Miss Arnold to-night. 
She knows nothing of make-up. Try how well you can 
make her look, and if I need you I will call you." 


STELLA, THE STAB. 


101 


Stella stood in the center of her uniquely arranged lit- 
tle dressing-room, drawing off her kid gloves as she spoke, 
a coquettish little hat half concealing her low, broad 
brow, her lissome, girlish figure covered by long fur 
draperies. By her side stood Navie, a trifle paler than 
usual and, in the background, Clocliette. 

I know you will laugh at me, Stella,^’ said Navie, 
'^but I feel horribly nervous. Suppose I should take 
stage fright!” 

Nonsense!” answered Stella, in her most business-like 
tone. You will do nothing half so foolish. Eemem- 
ber your entrances and exits, get the business correctly 
and the words will come all right. The lines of your 
part are of minor consideration. There! go and get 
dressed. You will only make yourself more nervous by 
talking.” 

IsnT it early?” 

A little, but it is a good fault. The first lesson of 
an actress’ life should be punctuality. When an audi- 
ence grows weary of waiting one must act twice as well to 
compel it to return to good-humor, consequently, only 
persons of great genius can afford to make it submit to 
their caprices. It is a thing which I have never at- 
tempted.” 

^^If I fail to-night, shall you despair of me?” 

^^No. I am glad to see you nervous. It shows a sen- 
sibility of responsibility which novices rarely ever recog- 
nize. It is a great thing not to thrust ignorance upon 
an intellectual audience without fear and trembling, and 
the very weakness is appreciated; but never let it be so 
marked as to mar your performance.” 

Navie smiled a trifle wistfully and turned aside. 

I should like to be a success for — for Mr. Earlscourt’s 
sake. I shall try very hard ” 

'^And will succeed,” interrupted Stella. ^^By the 
way, has Ted told you that he thinks of giving up Barrett 
for me next season? In the meantime I am going to take 
a rest and a little fly to Europe.” 

He told me —yes. But what will I ever do without 
you?” 

^^Tut! You will have him and forget me. When 
does your marriage take place?” 


103 sti<:lla, the sTAn. 

""He insists upon next week. But it seems so sudden 
to me.^^ 

** Foolish girl! Why not next week? There is nothing 
to prevent."’^ 

"'No, I suppose not, but — I — I am so afraid he may be 
sorry. 

"Nonsense! AVhat about yourself? Go and dress 
yourself and donT talk foolishly."’^ 

She kissed Navie affectionately, then taking her by the 
shoulders, put her gently from the room. 

" Go, and donT come back to me until the act is 
called, unless you want something particularly,^’ she 
called after her pleasantly. 

Eeturning to her room she closed her door, which gave 
forth a little click as the spring-lock snapped, but she 
paid no heed, and turned to a contemplation of her per- 
fect face in the mirror. 

"I wonder,’’ she whispered to the beautiful vision 
which it reflected, "if there is another woman in all the 
world who is so miserable as you. The living, breathing 
lie of my life has begun and must be lived through. It 
is for liis sake, all for his sake. If 1 could only die; but 
I am too weak to take my life by my own hand, and un- 
less we are the agent, death does not come at our com- 
mand. Poor Eaoul! If I could only love him as he loves 
me we might be happy; but I cannot, I cannot! The 
touch of his hand is like a lump of clay, the clasp of his 
arm is like the twisting of a serpent’s coils, and a kiss 
from his lips sends a shiver of deadly dread over me. But 
I will be true! So help me Heaven, I will hide my re- 
pulsion and be a good, true wife to him.” 

She removed her heavy wrap and Eer hat, standing 
once more before the mirror, the shimmering folds* of her 
rich, dark dress contrasting well with the red gold of her 
bright hair. 

As she stood, a gentle knock sounded upon the door. 
She opened it, and, before she could recover from her 
surprise, Philip Pendennis entered and closed the door 
behind him. 

" You— here!” she gasped. " Why have you ventured 
from your room to-night?” 

" Because I should have died if I had remained there, 
and I am not ready for that yet. I thought I should find 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


103 


you here, and alone, and I told the fellow at the baclc 
door that I had an important message for you. A little 
consideration of a few dollars got me in fast enough. 

Oh, Philip, why have you come? Am I not wretched 
enough without your adding to it more?'’^ 

I have come for your promise to go away with me.^^ 

And I cannot give it.'^ 

'^Do you think that will deter me? You have con- 
fessed that you loved me, that it was not your own will 
which parted us, and now you shall be my own.^' 

^‘Oh, Philip, why are you so cruel to me?"^ 

“ I am not. It is you who are cruel. I love you with 
my whole heart and soul, and will never give you up. 
Do you hear me? Never! Surely, Stella, you have caused 
me suffering' enough. I am a miserable wreck of my 
former self. Look at me. Can you see your own work 
calmly and still refuse to come with me?” 

I can, because I must.” 

You cannot, must not, shall not!” 

Think what it is you offer me, Philip,” she cried out, 
passionately. Shame and disgrace, and remorse and 
eternal punishment.” 

Not so. I offer you contentment and joy and bliss. 
I offer you a life’s devotion. I offer you love.” 

She trembled as she listened to his impassioned ap- 
peal, to the unsteady tones of his slow, musical voice, and 
her heart beat to suffocation as she noted the depth of 
tenderness in his darkly handsome e3^es. 

For a single instant the reserve with which she had 
surrounded herself gave way, and she half extended her 
arms, but they quickly fell again, and she turned from 
him and laughed. It was a low, mirthless laugh, which 
told more truly of a breaking heart than scores of words 
could have done, but in his pain he only heard the sound, 
and a flame of anger leapt into his burning eyes. 

You do well to laugh,” he said, with a cold sneer. 
For the second time you have shown your power over 
your victim. If it is a satisfaction to you to know that 
you have ruined me, body and soul, you have it.' Look, 
and behold the bleeding, tortured heart, with all its 
throbs and agonies.” 

Philip, Philip, you wrong me. Cannot you see how 
I suffer? Why will you not have mercy and leaye pie?’^ 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


lOi 

cannot! You know the old story, almost as old as 
love itself, of the moth and the candle. Has the needle 
power to resist the magnet? Cure me of my love and I 
will leave you. Make me hate you, and I will bless you, 
but you cannot. I shall love you until the ^leaves of the 
judgment-book unfold,^ and after, long afterward. I am 
a madman, Stella, and you have made me so. Am I 
the same who sat in a little room like this, only a few 
short months ago, and demanded with such laughing 
nonchalance that you he my wife? Gods! When I 
think of the centuries of enduring grief and torture that 
have rolled between me and my heart since then, I won- 
der that I live. Then I believed your eyes to be true as 
tlie stars. I looked into them and read that you loved 
me. Weak fool that I was! My whole heart went out 
and hound itself in yours until now — now, oh, Stella, 
darling, if you have no love for me, have pity, for I can- 
not live and live without youT^ 

In his utter abandonment to grief, this noble man, this 
hero, leaned his head upon his arm which leaned against 
the wall, and sobbed aloud. 

And Stella? 

For one moment she regarded him, tlnm seeming to 
lose all control of her own acts, she sprung forward and 
seized his arm. 

‘‘ DonT do that!’^ she murmured in ,a low, hushed 
voice. 

Quick as thought he wheeled round and caught her 
in his strong arms. Powerless to resist, she did not even 
struggle, but gave herself up to the guilty sweetness of 
his love. 

He pressed her to him with passionate earnestness and 
murmured words of tenderest endearment. 

You are mine,^^ he whispered, with his lips upon her 
own. My dearest, my only love, nothing can separate 
us now. We will forget the world, forget all but our 
love, our happiness, and our joy.^’ 

But the sound of his voice restored her wandering con- 
science, and even in the midst of her love, she saw how 
false she was to her every vow; but alas, how true to the 
dictates of her own weak, loving heart! 

And even while she listened, she grew strong again, 
and her love for him outweighed her selfishness. She 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


105 


remembered what men would say of him; she thought of 
his exile from his parents and home; she saw the op- 
probrium which his act would cast upon an honorable 
name, and she drew back — back from the encircling 
arms which held her fast, back from his burning caresses. 

‘‘Philip, release me!^'’ she cried, hoarsely, dropping 
her arms from his neck. “This is mockery, madness. 
I can never be more to you than I am now. You forget 
what is due me as a woman and a wife. You force me to 
respect myself since you will not do so. Eelease me, I 
command you.^’ 

His arm dropped from her as she spoke her last words 
as though suddenly relieved of chains. He stepped back 
a pace and dooked at her, as with hanging head and 
drooping eyes she stood before him. 

“You can never be more to me than you now are,^^ 
he repeated, monotonously. “ Listen to me, Stella! I 
am not a man who speaks lightly, or talks for the sake of 
talking, but I always keep my word. I tell you that you 
shall be mine. There is no power upon this earth which 
can keep you from me, except you tell me with your own 
lips that you love this man who calls you wife. Now 
speak these words if you can.'’^ 

For a moment she hesitated; then, raising to his a face 
all alight with sacrificing devotion, she murmured the 
words with plaintive misery. 

“ You are right, Philip, I love him!’^ 

Like one stricken with sudden death he stood before 
her, no muscle of his stern, cold face moving, his warm, 
eager eyes grown strangely dim and set, the very breath 
seeming frozen upon his lips. 

And she was frightened. 

She went to him, and, laying her hands upon his shoul- 
ders, shook him, but still he only looked at her with that 
strangely glazed eye. Then, fearing that she had killed 
him, all the tenderness of her nature bubbled to the sur- 
face and choked out every other thought, and she raised 
herself upon her toes and kissed him. 

It awakened him from the lethargy which had enveloped 
him, and he thrust her from him as though she had been 
a poisonous thing. 

“Traitoress! Murderess-rMie hissed. “ You are ac- 
countable for the death of a soul, as well as for a life,^'’ 


loo 


STELLA, THE SfA^. 


Faint and livid, he turned to leave the room, but at the 
Same moment a quick, eager knock sounded upon the 
door, and the knob of the locked door turned, 

"" Open the door, Stella,^" cried her husband's voice 
from the outside.,. “ I have something to say to you. It 
is I, Raoul, dear." 

With a face blanched with terror^ Stella flung herself 
in Philip's Way as he advanced to open the door. 

You must not! It means death!" she gasped. 

Never mind your dress, darling. It is something of 
importance. Open the door quickly/' again called out 
her husband's eager voice. 


CHAPTER XX. 

It was hot for her own life that Stella feared, neither 
her life, nor her happiness, nor her honor, but she knew 
that this thing, which she would have sacrificed her ex- 
istence to prevent, could no longer be averted. It was a 
terrible moment to her, frightful, appalling. 

And he, the man she loved better than her own soul, 
stood there beside her, his face set and cold, his eyes 
stern and unyielding, while Nemesis awaited outside 
that frail door. 

Conceal yourself, Philip," she whispered, frantically. 
'^For my sake. Quick! quick!" 

And he — laughed. 

It was such a hard, mirthless, grewsome laugh that she 
could scarcely recognize it as his own. The lips were 
strained and white, and into the handsome eyes there 
grew a cruel, demoniacal look, which destroyed all the 
debonair beauty of his Grecian face. 

^^From him!" he exclaimed, mockingly. ^^Open the 
door, and let him see how the wife tolio loves Mm is 
locked in the room with the man whom she despises." 

^'I cannot," she gasped. ''He will kill you, and you 
have no power to defend yourself." 

She touched his right arm, which he carried in a sling, 
as she spoke, but the look of mocking fury only deep- 
ened in his eyes. 

" So much the better for you," he answered, scorn- 
fully. *' There will be no danger for the man you love. 
He will be safe, you need have no fear." 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


107 


Stella, open the door!^^ 

The voice outside had grown stern now. There was 
none of the appealing tenderness which had characterized 
it before, and the very change brought an additional 
pang of mortal dread to Stellar’s heart, and also brought 
to her, with overwhelming force, an increased knowl- 
edge of her mad, idolatrous love for the man who stood 
before her. 

It is for you I fear, Philip, she whispered, passion- 
ately. ‘‘Only for you. Oh, my love, have mercy upon 
yourself and meT^ 

A change, quicker than a flash of lightning, crossed 
Philipps face. A spot of flaming red burned in his 
cheeks, his lips twitched convulsively, his eyes were 
ablaze with fire. 

AVith his left hand ho seized her in a grasp like iron, 
and drew her close to him. 

“Listen to nie,^' he whispered hoarsely. “I am a 
madman, lost to all sense of right, of justice, and of 
honor. Every feeling within me is dead, save that 
scorching, seething love for you which has parched and 
blistered my very soul. Promise me that you will leave 
the country with me, that you will follow where I lead, 
and I will save myself; otherwise I stay where I am 
and endure the consequences. AYhat is your answer? 
Quick 

“Stella!” — the voice outside had grown awful in its 
tense earnestness — “ open the door at once or I shall break 
it in.” 

As if to give force to his words, Brownell shook the 
door violently, showing how easily his threat might be 
put into execution, and Stella closed her eyes, trembling 
visibly. 

“ Speak quickly!” whispered Philip. 

“1 promise,” panted Stella. 

“ Swear!” he commanded. 

“ I swear,” answered Stella solemnly. 

“ My love, my own!” 

He pressed one mad, delirious kiss upon her perfect 
lips, then sprung to the sill of the window, which was 
several feet from the ground outside. With a superhu- 
man effort he wrenched one of the already loosened bars 


108 


STELLAy THE STAR, 


from its hold and sprung through, swinging himself off 
and dropping easily to the ground. 

Once more, Stella, I command you to open this 
door.^^ 

This time the voice was not disobeyed, but, controlling 
her nervous tremors, Stella unlocked the door. 

Upon the threshold stood her husband, his face blood- 
less, his steely gray eyes black with rage. 

What is the matter with you, Kaoul?^^ demanded his 
wife innocently. You frightened the life out of me.^'’ 

He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, 
then turned upon her with an expression of ferocity 
which made her quail, though she looked unflinchingly 
in his face. 

Urom the top of her lovely nimbus-crowned head to the 
tip of her dainty toe, Stella Northcote was an actress 
when upon the stage, and now Stella Brownell called to 
her aid every expression of her art which she held at com- 
mand. 

^MVho was in this room with you?” he asked, seizing 
her roughly by the wrist. 

Of what are you speaking?” she asked haughtily, 
drawing her supple, lithe figure to its full height. 

I heard voices,” he answered angrily. DonT try to 
cheat me. They were those of a woman and man.'” 

Does it strike you,” said Stella coldly, that you are 
insulting me? The dressing-room of a theater is scarcely 
the place for a married woman to receive her male ac- 
quaintances.” 

You have not answered me.” 

Neither shall I,” returned Stella with marked hau- 
teur. When my husband chooses to insult me, he must 
receive his answers to any questions he may ask from the 
person whom he chooses to connect with me. Will you 
be'good enough to release my arm?” 

^‘^By Heaven! if I thought that Philip Pendennis ” 

He paused, his eyes gleaming with such fierce hatred 
that Stella involuntarily shuddered. 

Then her mood changed to seductive sweetness, and 
she looked reproachfully at him. 

That again,” she murmured gently. Oh, Raoul!” 

She leaned against the wall and half drooped her long 

r 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


109 


lashes over her purple eyes, her lips were half opened, 
her arms partially extended, then dropped at her side. 

Her tone, her manner, her wondrous beauty all told 
with him, as she had meant they should, and he sunk 
into a chair, covering his face with his hands. 

am a fool,'"’ he muttered; ‘^a base, ignoble fool.^^ 

She saw the advantage she had gained, and stepping 
to his side, she passed her arm around his neck and 
pressed one soft, pink palm upon his lips. 

You must not say that,” she said gently. You are 
nothing of the kind. You are better and nobler than I 
ever thought you ” — her voice breaking a little over 
her falsehood — ^^but just a very little bit over-jealous.” 

And you are generous to forgive me, but — but whose 
voice was it, Stella?” 

All the anger had died from his face, and when it was 
lifted to hers, as he caught the little hand and held it 
around his neck, it was lighted only with passionate love, 
so fierce as to be almost unholy. 

She shrunk from him as if he had struck her, but 
quickly recovering herself, she, raised his face in her hand 
and bent over him until her perfumed breath played upon 
his face, intoxicating him with its divine sweetness. 

Your lack of confidence gives your love the lie and 
baffles my unusually quick insight into human nature. 
You do not love me,” she murmured in a soft, purring 
fashion which he had never heard her use before, but 
which was infinitely becoming to the glory of the beauty 
which surrounded her. 

^^Not love you,” he repeated fatuously. am a 

slave, a bondsman. Your power over me is unlimited. 
A caressing word from you changes me from a revengeful 
fiend to an imbecilitated lover, with no will save that of 
his mistress. My lips are dead to kisses, save tliose you 
press upon them; my ears are deaf to sound, save words 
which you would have me hear; my eyes are blind, save 
to your charms. I have no belief, no will, no life apart 
from you, however illusory all your words may prove.” 

^^Oh, Eaoul, what a speech to spoil with one word!” 
she said, drawing back from him with a gesture of re- 
proach. Illusory! oh, fie!” 

Forgive the word,” he said gently, ^^and accept the 


110 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


meaning. You said I did not love you; you are my rul- 
ing power, my goddess.^"' 

What is it that the Bible says about setting uj) false 
images?"^ asked Stella, with a short laugh. 

Are you false 

The question came to her so suddenly, so unexpect- 
edly, that it brought home to her, with the strangest 
shoek she ever felt, all her falsity of the last few days, 
and a look of horror burned in the lovely eyes, but she 
forced herself to answer lightly. 

^^In the way of an idol, I suppose I am a ^ false 
image. ^ The best of us would be, would we not? And 
I am not ^ the best,^ only one of the frailest and weakest. 
But — but you have not told me why you were in so vio- 
lent af hurry Just now.” 

His eyes darkened momentarily, but it all faded as she 
stooped forward and kissed him upon the lips. 

It was to tell you,” he answered, drawing her as 
closely in his arms as she would allow, ^^that I am very 
sure I shall be able to effect your release by the end of 
the week, and we will have a long. Joyful rest together.” 

He paused, waiting for her to express a pleasure he 
had a right to expect to hear. 

Are you glad, Stella?” he asked, with half-pained 
surprise in his voice. 

^^Very,” she answered softly. 

^^Then why did you not speak?” 

I can never think of anything to say, under certain 
circumstances.” 

And this was one of the circumstances ” with a 
vengeance. 

What was she to say? what do? 

Tor a single instant the position in which she was 
placed thrust itself before her conscience-eyes, but she 
put it from her with terror, already with remorse. 

My pet,” he whispered, pressing his lips to the soft, 
clustering curls of golden hair, never thought to hold 
you in my arms like this. How grateful I should be.” 

‘"Overture !” 

The non-dulcet-like strains of the call-boy^s voice 
awoke Brownell from a heavenly dream under a upas- 
tree in a fooTs paradise, and relieved Stella from a posi- 


STELLA, THE STAR. lli 

tion, liatefnl beyond measure, to her truth-loving disposi- 
tion. 

‘‘ Whatr^ she cried, springing up with hurried grace. 

The overture rung in and not one thing done. Go, 
Eaoul, quickly, and tell them I have been detained and 
have not begun to dress. Send Clochette to me, she is 
with Navie.'’^ 

Without giving him time for another word or caress, 
she pushed him from the room and quickly began remov- 
ing her street clothes. 

Thank God, that is over!” she exclaimed to herself, 
as she hurried on with her toilet. But where is it to 
end? I am cold, cold with apprehension and fear. I 
have wound about myself a net of artifice and finesse 
whose meshes have entrapped me, until I see no means of 
escape. If I break the bonds which hold me, my own 
soul is lost and his life and honor are gone. I have only 
bungled in my efforts. My deception has turned against 
myself, and I am hemmed in, by my own blindness, on 
every side. I can see nothing, I can put out my hand 
and touch no tangible object which can help me. I can 
only raise my voice and cry out in the darkness. Oh, 
Lord! oh, God! have pity and help me!” 


CHAPTER XXL 
Philip, what ails you?” 

The question was put by Mrs. Daniel Pendennis to her 
son as he entered her boudoir the following morning in 
such a state of exuberant joy as she had never seen him 
exhibit before. 

A bright hectic spot burned in either cheek, his e5^es 
were dancing with a brilliant, unnatural light, the fingers 
of his left hand seemed to clutch nervously at his cloth- 

Xothing ails me but happiness, mad, insane happi- 
ness,” he answered, in a quick, uneven voice, utterly un- 
like his own nonchalant, graceful drawl. Kiss me, 
mother mine. I feel as if I could embrace the whole 
world.” 

He caught her about the waist as he spoke, and pressed 


112 STELLA, THE STAR. 

her cool, wrinkled cheek against his own, which was 
burning like fire. 

You are ill, Philip,^’ she said, earnestly. Consum- 
ing with fever. Have you been to bed?""’ 

‘‘To bed!'’ he repeated, vaguely. “Why, no. It is 
only eleven o’clock.” 

“Eleven A. M., yes. But were you to bed last night?” 

“ I think not. I forget.” 

“ Come, dear, lie clown here and tell me what makes 
you happy,” his mother said, looking at him uneasily. 
“ Don’t you know the doctor told you not to leave your 
room?” 

“ AVhat dolts doctors are. If I had not gone out last 
night I should have missed the one chance of my life. 
Thank God I was not fool enough to listen to him.” 

“Come, dear, lie down and tell me.” 

“I couldn’t lie down, but I will sit by you.” 

She sunk into a chair, almost overcome with nervous 
dread, and Philip placed himself beside her in a large 
easy-chair to which she motioned. 

His head fell backward from momentary exhaustion, 
and a smile parted his quivering, crimson lips. 

“Mine, mine!” he kept repeating, as though striving 
to convince himself of some fact. 

“ What is yours, dear?” asked his mother, anxiously, 
as she bent toward him and pressed his hand gently. 

“ Life, happiness, love,” he answered, dreamily. 

She looked at him in troubled silence for a moment, 
believing his words to be the very essence of delirium. 

“You are ill, Philip,” she said at last, tenderly. 
“ Come with me to your room and go to bed, won’t you?” 

She spoke to him and smoothed his hand, as she had 
done when he was a little boy, and the remembrance came 
back to him now as he sat with closed eyes and allowed 
her to caress him. 

“ Yo, I am not ill,” he answered, softly. “ Only 
deliciously contented. Mother, can you remember so far 
back as when I was a little boy?” 

“Yes, dear.” 

“ Do you ever think of how we used to sit then, just as 
we are sitting now, with your hand caressing mine; and 
of how you used to try to instil into me principles of the 
strictest honor and rectitude?” 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


113 


Yes, my boy.” 

And do you remember how yon used to tell me that 
nearly all religion was comprised in that golden rule, 
which I learned in the infant class, 'Do unto others as 
you would that they should do unto you 

“ Yes, dear.” 

I used to understand it, but I don’t any more. Is it 
not peculiar how our early teachings will suddenly leave 
us, and only our own desires will rise paramount to every 
idea of honor and truth that the world holds?” 

" Philip, what are you talking about?” 

"Nothing,” he answered, with a short, peculiar laugh. 
"I am so outrageously, ridiculously happy that I hon- 
estly believe I have gone crazy. Don’t worry your dear 
old head over it.” 

" I would not, if I understood you. Will you explain 
to me, Philip?” 

" You will know soon enough.” 

" Philip,” his mother asked, uneasily, " why do you 
not marry, and settle down? Winifred Delmer is such a 
dear girl.” 

He burst out laughing, as though she had made the 
funniest remark in the world. 

"That is a most paradoxical remark. I am not ready 
to marry yet, mother mine, but I shall some day. What 
made you think of it just now?” 

" Your mood; which I do not like.” 

"Not like it? You are heartless, cruel. Would you 
destroy my one chance for a life of bliss?” 

He looked at her as a child might who had been denied 
a toy, and she patted his hand reassuringly. 

"Phil,” she said, tenderly, "if you do not lie down 
and take some rest, you will have no opportunity to 
enjoy this happiness of which you speak. You will be 
seriously ill.” 

" You think so?” he asked, concernedly. "Well, may I 
lie here? I could not be alone.” 

He arose from his chair and threw himself upon a 
couch. She poured into a glass some bromide, which she 
often took herself, and held it to his lips. He drank it, 
obediently, and as she turned away with a heavy sigh, a 
knock sounded upon tlie door. 

^"A lady to see you, madam,” announced the servant. 


114 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


Her name?’^ 

She would give me none, but entreats you to seS 
her, as it is important.” 

Keluctantly and with a backward glance at her son, 
she followed the servant from the room, ordering him to 
send for a physician at once. 

Then she proceeded to the drawing-room where her 
guest awaited her. 

As she entered, a lady, tall, slight, graceful, elegantly- 
clothed, stood before her, and throwing back her veil, re- 
vealed a face of perfect mold. 

'^Stella Northcote!” exclaimed Mrs. Pendennis, com- 
pletely thrown from her usual reserved formality. Then 
remembering herself, she added more slowly, You, 
Mrs. Brownell! I beg you will excuse my hasty greet- 
ing, attributing it to surprise. Will you not be seated?” 

She held her guest’s hand for one moment with nerv- 
ous cordiality, then released it. 

I have come to see you this morning, Mrs. Penden- 
nis” — and Stella’s clear, sweet voice shook slightly — ■ 
‘^upon a matter whose delicacy is so great that I hesitate 
to mention it, and yet I feel that you are the only per- 
son to whom I can apply in my great, overwhelming 
trouble.” 

Instantly Mrs. Pendennis’ mind reverted to her son, 
and a violent shudder passed over her. 

She tried to speak, but her lips were stiff and dry, and 
no sound issued from them. 

Stella saw her emotion, and was encouraged by it. 
have no mother to advise me,” she continued, with 
a plaintive sorrow which touched her listener’s heart, 

and no one to whom I can apply for counsel and aid in 
this great crisis of my life, wlujre honor and inclination 
are fighting a terrible battle for mastery. I served you 
once, and for that servibe I am paying with a life of 
misery, too deep for words. In exchange for that serv- 
ice I ask you to save me from dishonor, and your son 
from a crime.” 

A crime!” gasped the aged woman, entwining her 
long, thin fingers together and making a vain endeavor 

to be calm. What ” She paused, utterly unable 

to proceed. 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


115 


y A crime, or worse — that is, worse to me who love him 
with my whole soul — death/^ 

My God!” panted his mother. He has not been so 
rash, so foolish ” 

He has challenged my husband to a duel—my hus- 
band, whose equal in the use of firearms cannot be found 
in this country. Eaoul will kill him, I tell you, and 
Philip throws himself in Raouhs way. I have pleaded, 
entreated, but it is of no avail. Last night at the theater 
— heavens! I cannot recount the scene without being 
consumed with shame — I promised to fly with him in order 
to save his life from being taken before my eyes. You 
niust save your son from death — you must save me from 
disgrace.” 

** The police!” exclaimed the elder woman. 

Stella silenced her with a gesture. 

^^Do you wish the affair published to the world?” she 
asked, hoarsely. I have thought of all that. They 
would be put under bonds to keep the peace for a few 
months; but what, think you, would they care for that, 
even if it sacrificed both their fortunes? One of them 
will die, or all of us must be* dishonored if a plan cannot 
be adopted. Can you suggest nothing?” 

Let me think — let me think!” cried Mrs. Pendennis, 
clasping her wrinkled hands across her brow. ^‘Philip 
is ill, very ill.” 

^‘^Not — not dangerous!” exclaimed Stella, putting out 
her hand, in a blind, entreating sort of way. 

^^No, I think not, I hope not.” 

If the doctor would only keep him confined to his 
room until Raoul and I can get away it might do. It is 
the only way that I see.” 

It would be a difficult thing to do. His brain seems 
to be on fire. You are going, then?” 

To save him if I can.” 

^^And to save yourself?” put in the aged woman. 

Myself!” cried Stella, with feverish excitement. 

What care I for myself! Do you think that life holds 
such allurement for me that I would take even one step 
in its direction for my own sake? Heaven! What is 
there before me but misery, and desolation, and death?” 

She threw out her arms with a passionate gesture of 


116 STELLA, THE STAB. 

utter weariness that was painful from one of her youth 
and beauty. 

You love him so, then — my poor Philip?^^ 

^^He is the length and breadth of the universe to me; 
he is the soul of my soul; lie is my God!^^ 

She spoke now with an emotionless despair, which 
showed to her listener how utterly hopeless she was. 

Why did you marry Mr. Brownell?'"’ whispered the 
elder woman, seeming to lack power to raise her voice. 

‘^Why do you ask that? You! Bah! Do you not 
know that Philip would have followed me to the ends of 
the earth? There was but one way to fulfill my oath, and 
that was to place an impassable barrier between us. Now 
tell me how I am to prevent his beating his head against 
that barrier until life is extinct. As I love him, so he 
loves me. Tell me how I am to save him again," 

The old woman arose slowly to her feet and stood trem- 
blingly before her guest, her wrinkled face convulsed with 
agony. 

Why do you not curse me for my interference be- 
tween you?" she said hoarsely. Why do you not draw 
down the vengeance of God upon a lie so unholy as mine? 
Why do you not despise me and take from me the light 
of my old age, and make me suffer even as you have 
done?" 

What are you saying?" cried Stella in alarm. 

^^The truth at last," she answered brokenly. 
have " 

^‘Do not tell me!" exclaimed Stella, extending her 
hands as though to ward off a blow. Do not make me 
feel that all my misery has been useless, that my great 
sacrifice was given in exchange for a lie! Do not render 
me more reckless than I am; I am afraid I should 
strangle you." 

There was a light scarcely of reason in the purple, black 
eyes as they were raised to those of the woman before her, 
and then Stella staggered to her feet. 

Let me go! let me go!" she continued, groping her 
way to the door, as though stricken blind. ^‘^Save your 
son if you can. As for me, I am already a lost thing, 
without hope, so' full of misery and the very essence of 
torture that every other feeling of heart or conscience is 
choked to death." 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


117 


She drew her veil across her white, distorted face, and 
left the room and house without another word. 

And so God makes us suffer for a fault 
The words were spoken with such quivering agony by 
the pallid, strained old lips that they were robbed of their 
commonplace sounrl, and went forth upon the air in a 
wail of scarcely comprehensible remorse. 

As they died away, a burning hand, at odd variance 
with the ghastly face, seized her own, and turning, she 
saw her son beside her. His eyes were glittering with a 
peculiar light, his breathing was heavy and labored. 

If the truth is in you,^'’ he said, with a dead coldness 
which struck terror to her heart, ^‘^tell me the meaning 
of all this. How have you separated me from the woman 
I lover 


CHAPTER XXII. 

STRiCKEisr with terror at his appearance, the wretched 
woman shrank back, gazing at him with glazed e3^es and 
a still, white face, from which every emotion but fear 
seemed to have fled. 

Speak!” he said, through his set teeth, the word 
coming with something like a hiss. 

How do you know that I did so?” asked his mother, 
her words rendered almost inaudible by the chattering of 
her teeth. 

How do I know?” he repeated, tightening his grip 
upon her hand. She told me once that it was not of 
her own desire that she forsook me. I heard her closing 
words as she left you, and I saw your manner when she 
had gone. She has deceived me again. She will not go 
with me. Is it not true?” 

She will not go!” 

A change like the hue of death came over him. 
Ghastly before, there came over his face a green, moldy 
color which was frightful. 

And you, you, my mother, have caused all this. Is 
that true?” 

He looked at her with those truth-compelling eyes, and 
slowly, almost without her knowledge, she dropped the 
single monosyllable; 

‘‘Yes!” 


118 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


He did not throw her from him, he made no effort at 
violence, his fingers simply relaxed their hold, as the ter- 
rible look deepened upon his face, and she fell like a log 
at his side. His entire form seemed to become rigid and 
motionless, and he made no move to lift her to her feet. 

‘‘You, my mother!” he said, simply, seeming to see 
nothing as he gazed straiglit before him. 

Then he burst into a horrible, discordant laugh and 
raised his arms with a gesture of pathetic unbelief. 

“ Trust!” he continued. “ Who is worthy of trust and 
honor? Where are they to be found on earth or in 
heaven, when a man^s own mother is his worst enemy?” 

“ DonT say that, Philip, my son, my darling,” cried 
his mother, raising herself and creeping feebly, entreat- 
ingly to him. “ Kemember how I have loved you, and 
know that I did it for the best.” 

“The best! the best!” he repeated, contemptuously. 
“Was it best that you should kill in me every feeling of 
hope, of joy, and of life? You love me! A cwse upon 
such love! Had you loved me, could you see me as I 
now am and not die with shame at the hideous part you 
have played?” 

“ She was not worthy of you,” murmured the wretched 
woman, crouching close to him, but not daring to look 
again at that suffering face. 

“ Had she been the vilest thing on earth, my great love 
would have elevated and purified her, but she was pure, 
innocent. There is not a man on earth, not a station in 
life, which she would not have exalted. Oh, my love, 
my love, you were true, and yet I have lost you!” 

He covered his face with his hands, and sunk into a 
chair, while dry, terrible, tearless sobs shook his entire 
frame. 

“ Philip,” whispered his mother, kneeling by his side, 
and bowing her head upon his knees, “ Philip, forgive 
me!” 

“Tell me how you accomplished this thing first. 
What falsehood and deceit you used; you, whom I thought 
so gentle and so true.” 

There was a ring in his voice which she had never 
heard there before, and a wild, unreasoning hatred arose 
in her heart against the woman who caused it, forgetful 
that she had only herself to blame. 


119 


BTtlLLA, TtiE ^TAR. 

A resolve formed itself in her face, her eyes grew hard, 
her hand shook no longer, her lips became a thin straight 
line across her face. 

^ Listen to me then and judge,^^ she said, steadily, 
rising with difficulty to her feet and taking a chair near 
him* At least give me, your mother, the justice which 
you would render her. I heard how she had won your 
heart, how you were making yourself the talk of the town 
by dancing attendance upon her, in short what disgrace 
you were bringing upon yourself and your family by your 
attentions to one of her class. 

My heart was heavy and sore over it, for you were 
our pride, our joy, our only one, and I broached the sub- 
ject to you but you repulsed me, and I saw that it was 
useless to plead with you. Like all young lovers, you 
were obstinate, contumacious, inflexible, blinded by your 
own violent passion, and I determined to see this divinity, 
to sound her character, and see in what way I could in- 
duce her to release my son from his bondage. 

I saw her. Upon my bended knees I prayed her to 
spare you, but she laughed in my face and threatened to 
take me by the shoulders and put me out. In all things 
she was the coarse, vulgar plebeian which I had expected 
4o find, but I saw how it was possible for her wondrous 
beauty and her powers of dissimulation to have deceived 
you into believing her perfection. 

As she spoke, I saw her weak point, love of gold.’' 

Philip started and a heavy shudder passed over him. 
She saw her advantage and pursued. 

I determined to attack her where she was weakest, 
and for that purpose I extolled the wealth of her present 
husband, pardonably, I think, increasing its vast extent, 
^hougli it told, I could plainly see that she was not as 
yet sufficiently impressed to give you up, since she ad- 
mired you far more in her limited way, it amounting al- 
most to an animal sort of love." 

You desecrate a holy sentiment! You — but go on!" 
he began, savagely, then interrupted himself. 

^aioly I listen!" 

The lines upon the old face hardened, an additional 
coldness crept into the unrelenting eyes. 

See if you think she deserves such a wealth of faith," 
she continued. Seeing this, I told her that your father 


120 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


stood npon the brink of ruin; that if it happened, yon 
would be swept away witli him; and that only your mar- 
riage with a woman of great fortune could save us/’ 

“ You told her that, that monstrous, unparalleled lie! 
cried Philip, starting from his seat, but sinking back 
again with a heavy groan. 

‘^You forget yourself,”'said his mother coldly. 
was not so much a lie, as you with such delicious elegance 
term it, as you may suppose. To spare you pain we kept 
the truth from you. We suffered in silence rather than 
that you should know an hour’s uneasiness. I have held 
my protecting arms over you and smiled, to shut out any 
terror I might have felt; I have — but bah! for this are we 
mothers. I have wandered. I may have exaggerated, as 
people even better than I claim to be have done under 
strong excitement, but I spoke no direct untruth; but it 
made its deep, its lasting impression.” 

She paused. 

'^Is that all? Were there no other words said? Why 
do you hesitate? Go on!’' 

lie spoke with feverish excitement, with a tense ear- 
nestness which frightened her; but she had begun, and 
dared not draw back now. 

She had not intended to tell a deliberate falsehood; 
but as she saw him still clinging to his idol, to the exclu- 
sion of every other thought, she set her teeth hard and 
defied the consequences. 

^^No, that is not all!” she exclaimed, with a boldness 
which surprised herself. I offered her a large sum of 
money if she would accept the man she married, and re- 
lease you from your slavery.” 

And she — what did she do? Speak quickly!” 

There was a faint suspicion of triumphant laughter in* 
the wrinkled face as she saw the effect of her words, but 
it was destined to be short-lived, if she could only have 
looked a little into the future and have seen it. 

What do all such creatures do under such circum- 
stances?” she asked scornfully. She took my money, 
and gave me back rny son.” 

‘^She — did — that?” he gasped, his face rigid and 
dmwn, his voice hoarse and sti ident. 

‘‘ I thought it might surprise you,” she answered 
calmly. 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


121 


Don’t deceive me in this/’ he cried, passionately, 
'^forlwill never forgive you — never! Swear that you 
have spoken the truth.” 

He had again seized her hand, and was holding her so 
that her eyes were upon a level with his own. He looked 
at her searchingly, distrustfully, and anger gave her voice 
to reply. 

Since your mother’s word is not enough,” she said, 
haughtily, I will swear.” 

He released her suddenly again, and strode rapidly and 
agitatedly up and down tlie room. 

She sold herself to you for money, did she?” he ex* 
claimed, vehemently, at last, stopping before her. 

Well, now she shall sell herself to me for a greater 
price. I have been fortunate in Wall Street of late, and 
I have a fortune which can cover his by many tliousands.” 

'^Philip, you would not ” began his mother, in con- 

sternation. 

“ I will have her, even if it costs my soul!” 

But think of her unworthiness. Have you no pride?” 

Pah! none! The day she forsook me Ilostall pride, 
all self-esteem, all desire, save the one absorbing resolve 
to have her, or kill the man who has taken her from me, 
and by Heaven I will succeed.” 

My God! Have you no thought of your family?” 

What regard had my family for me? Don’t talk that 
kind of sickly sentimentality to me. I tell you it is all 
dead but this one morbid desire, which shall be gratified, 
or either he or I shall die.” 

Philip, you are killing me!” cried his mother, raising 
her hands supplicatingly. 

Ho. You have shown me the way, and I thank you. 
Ishall cover her with gold — bright, beautiful gold — which 
she loves better than she does me, and I will say, ^ Come 
to love, to happiness, and me.’ ” 

He seized his hat from the table where it lay and started 
from the room. 

You shall not go!” exclaimed Mrs. Pendennis, rising 
and stretching her arms across the door to bar his exit. 

Lightly, as if she had been a feather, he caught her in 
his left arm and removed her from his way. 

Wish me joy, mother,” he cried, with delirious glee, 
US he rushed from the house. am going to my love/’ 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


m 


CHAPTEK XXIIL 

^^She is playing me false! I feel it and know it. 
When I am away from her, I can see the defects in her 
acting. I can feel every thin spot in her armor. I can 
hear every deceitful tone of her voice. But when I am 
with her she throws a glamour over my eyes, and I am 
only what she would have me. I love even while I hate 
her, and if I find her in her deception I Avill kill her; 
kill her, by the eternal heavens, as well as himr^ 

Eaoul Brownell brought his fist down upon a magnifi- 
cent inlaid table with such force as to cause the entire 
room to shake. His voice w^as hoarse and strident, and 
his eyes held an ugly light which bespoke mischief. 

I will find out if she has lied to me,” he continued. 
^‘1 don^t understand this sudden desire for Europe, a 
proposition which she spurned a few weeks ago, but I will 
know before I start. That little serpent, Navie, is the 
only one who can help me. As things are, she would re- 
fuse to speak, and defy me, but if she were only Earls- 
courPs wife, I would have all power over her. The little 
fool worships him, and he has become bewitched by her 
colorless face. By threatening her she would obey me, 
and Stella trusts her. Is she fool enough to believe that 
I take so much pains to persuade her disinterestedly? 
Bah ! Does she take me for such a fool ? I must see 
Earlscourt and hasten that marriage. I wonder ]f she 
knows if Pendennis was in Stella’s room ? God 1 It makes 
a madman of me when I think that I, Euoul Brownell, 
may be so deceived.” 

There was no misery in his tone save wounded self-love. 

He loved Stella with all the passionate strength of a 
brute nature. There was no ideality, no poetry, no ro- 
mance, such as a nature like hers craved and demanded. 
He loved the body, but had no sympathy with the soul. 
He could not have understood the high moral tone of her 
nature which struggled against impudence and strove to 
maintain his honor in face of a deathless love. 

He crossed the room and surveyed himself in a cheval- 
glass; then, seeming to be thoroughly satisfied with the 
refiection which greeted him, he turned and left the 
room, 


STELLA, THE ^TAE. 


123 


He entered his wife’s boudoir, but it was empty, and 
he looked about, surprised that the beauties there should 
seem so lusterless, lacking only her presence. 

Then he turned from it and went down to the library. 
There he found only Navie, curled up like a kitten in 
• the big hollow of a great easy-chair. 

He smiled down upon her, and stroked her cheek 
gently with the palm of his hand as he stood over her for 
a single instant, then he threw himself lazily upon a couch 
opposite her, and stretched out his long, graceful limbs 
with easy indolence. 

What a listless sort of morning it is,” he said, half 
concealing a forced yawn. 

don’t know,” answered Navie, her long lashes shad- 
ing her dark eyes, though she could see him perfectly. 

The air struck me as being particularly invigorating.” 

You certainly look anything but animated,” he re- 
sponded, with a laugh. ‘MVhy are you not out for a 
drive?” 

did not care to drive to-day,” returned Navie, 
watching him closely through her half-closed eyes. 

‘‘Expecting Earlscourt, eh?” 

“Not particularly,” answered Navie, with a vivid 
blush. 

“And so you allowed poor Stella to drive alone?” 

The tone was so careless as to deceive Navie. 

“ She did not drive,” she said slowly. 

“No? Where did she go?” 

There was a smoldering look in the gray eyes which 
frightened her. 

“ To the park, probably. I did not notice in which 
direction she went,” answered Navie. 

“ Lie number on?, to be jotted down against you, 
young wo ‘nan,” said Brownell mentally; but aloud he 
murmured carelessly, “See how little I know of my 
wife’s disposition. Now, 1 thought she detested walking, 
and did not know she ever did it.” 

“ She does not often, but she is not well.” 

“No, poor child. Pendennis upset her when he so 
impudently forced himself into her presence at the the- 
ater last night.” 

Navie started perceptibly, a fact which did not escape 
Brownell’s notice. 


124 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


visited her, then?’" she asked nervously, utterly 
ignorant of what she ought to say. 

^^What frauds you women are! As if you were not 
with her and did not know all about her!"" answered 
Brownell playfully. 

Navie forced a mirthless laugh, but did not speak. 

Were you not with her?"" persisted Brownell. 

Ye — es,"" she answered, hesitatingly. 

Number two!"" he ejaculated, mentally. ^^Why 
should I hope for the truth from a woman whose whole 
life is a lie. Her marriage is the only thing which can 
accomplish it. But Pendennis was there! Once Earls- 
court"s wife, let her dare refuse to answer me or deceive 
me. Come now,"" he continued aloud, what were he 
and Stella talking of?"" 

‘‘Did not she tell you?"" asked poor Navie, tremu- 
lously. 

“Yes, she told me, but I am anxious to know if she 
told the truth."" 

All the carelessness had died from his voice, and only 
the cold, strained tones were heard. 

“ You should be ashamed of your want of confidence,"" 
said Navie, more boldly. 

“ Answer me!"’ 

“ I will not!"" 

“Will not?” 

“Will not!"" she repeated, firmly. “I am tired of 
being your spy, and will no longer submit to it. Your 
wife is a good and true woman who would scorn so con- 
temptible an action as you engage in. Once for all, I 
will have nothing further to do with it."" 

A peculiarly rigid look had settled about BrownelPs 
mouth, but he forced himself to smile serenely as he an- 
swered lightly, but with a slight sneer: 

“ I congratulate you upon your fidelity. It is a rare 
trait among women, but one to be all the more admired. 
Earlscourt is a fortunate man."" 

Navie crimsoned, as she always did when he spoke of 
her lover. 

I have wanted to speak to you for some time upon 
that subject, Mr. Brownell. I mean about Mr. Earls- 
court,"" said Navie, with nervous hesitation. “ He is 


BTELLA, THE ^TAR. 


125 


Very anxious that our — our marriage should take place 
soon. What do you think of ic?^^ 

Think? That it is the wisest and best thing to do/^ 
he answered, warmly, 

Then, do you not think I ought to tell him?” 

Nonsense! 'why should you?” 

‘"My mother is dead,” continued Navie, almost plead- 
^^and there is no one who knows or would be 
likely to betray me unless — unless ” 

“ Unless I did?” 

^^Ye— es.” 

“You are hardly complimentary.” 

“ I know; but you will forgive me when you remember 
my position, and think how even trifles terrify me.” 

“ People have always considered me a gentleman, I 
hope the term has not been misapplied.” 

“ You are right, and I am ungrateful. I hope you 
will pardon me for what was hardly a doubt, but rather a 
suggestion of one. If he should And out afterward I 
would kill myself. I could never bear the shame.” 

A grim smile passed over'BrownelPs face, but failed to 
impress Navie, who was looking at him with eyes which 
saw nothing. 

“You grow morbid, morose and splenetic. Why not 
"let the dead past bury its dead?^” he said, gently. 

“Because I cannot!” she answered, springing from 
her chair and walking restlessly up and down the room. 
“ Because the ghosts of my past errors will rise up before 
me to curse me. Because I am the living, breathing 
semblance of a hideous lie.” 

“If you were the only ‘hideous lie’ in the world, I 
might excuse you for becoming dramatic over it,” re- 
turned Brownell, stifling a yawn. “ But there is scarcely 
a life which has not its skeleton, and those beautiful, 
brilliant, seemingly transparent creatures are the deepest 
after all.” 

“Mr. Earlscourt!” 

The door was thrown open and Earlscourt walked in, 
as the servant announced him. 

“ I hope you will pardon me for instructing your serv- 
ant to show me here, Brownell, but I understood him to 
say Miss Arnold was alone,” said Earlscourt, apologetic- 
ally. 


126 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


It is not our custom to receive our guests in tliis 
room, but so privil-eged a person as yourself is welcome 
everywhere,^^ answered Brownell, courteously, and shak- 
ing hands warmly. 

Thank you! You are well, Havie?^^ 

As he turned to her, a warm, eager light came into the 
fine eyes which completely transformed his always hand- 
some face. 

Beneath it Navie’s somewhat cold nature seemed to 
grow fervid and impassioned. A flush crept into her 
pale cheeks, a glad, ardent look burned in her lustrous 
eyes, and her whole being seemed to thrill and tremble 
as she yielded her soul to the sweet influence of his own. 

I am well,"’' she answered simply. 

Where is Stel?^^ asked Earlscourt. I particularly 
want to see her to-day.'’^ 

^^That is unfortunate, since she is out. Has she told 
you that we hiave for England early next week?” 

No. Is it true, then?” 

Yes, I think so. I came in here this morning to ask 
Miss Arnold if she will accomf)any us, but had neglected 
to do so until now. You will go, Navie?” 

He knew she would not, neither did he intend that 
she should, but he had his own point to gain in asking 
her. 

Earlscourt regarded her with something like pleading 
in his eyes. Even a faint contemplation of a separation 
showed him how unutterably dear she had become. 

You are very kind, more than generous,” faltered 
Navie, ^^but I — I think I will not go.” 

Tlie relief upon Earlscourt^s face was so great as to be 
almost amusing. 

But I donT know about leaving you,” said Brownell 
designingly. Earlscourt has confided you to my wife, 
and I cannot allow her to neglect the chafge.” 

''But suppose I take her myself again— that is, if she 
is willing to come to me. In this emergency, why could 
we not be married to-morrow as well as a month later, 
Navie?” asked Earlscourt. 

" A capital arrangement,” cut in Brownell. " I won- 
der that it did not occur to me before.” 

"But ” commenced Navie. 

"No buts about it, interrupted Brownell with anima- 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


127 


tion, Don^t let her dampen your enthusiasm, Earls- 
court. Women think we would not appreciate their con- 
sent if it were too easily obtained. Shea’ll come around 
all right, and Stel will be delighted. I am as pleased 
over a, prospective wedding as if I were a woman myself. 
I shall gO'Out to see if I can find Stel, and get everything 
in order, and leave you to subjugate the obstinate party.” 


CHAPTEE XXIV. 

It was all over. 

Navie Arnold had become Mrs. Edwin Earlscourt, the 
recherche wedding breakfast had been partaken of, and 
the guests were standing about in little knots discussing 
it all preparatory to taking their departure. 

Such a charming wedding!” said Miss Reeves gush- 
ingly; and what a surprise! Really, Mrs. Brownell, you 
deserve the palm for enchanting little affairs of this 
kind!” 

Why, I never engaged in one before in my life,” an- 
swered Stella, except my own.” 

^‘I know,” simpered Miss Reeves. ^^But all your en- 
tertainments are such loves.” 

You are kind,” said Stella coldly. 

There was something about this beautiful wedding 
which had jarred upon her nerves, and she felt somehow 
as if it should be spoken of in accents hushed and awed. 

What an exquisite bride Miss Arnold made, but there 
was an expression abouc her face as she stood before the 
clergyman which I could not understand,” said Miss Fern, 
a few moments later, to Stella. ‘‘ There was a look of 
disquietude, I might almost say startled alarm, about 
her which quite puzzled me. Once one might have fan- 
cied she saw an apparition. She turned so ghastly, her 
eyes seemed to burn, her skin became moldy, and she 
looked as though she would shrivel up and dry before 
one’s eyes. Your husband noticed it, for he coughed aloud. 
She started and glanced in his direction. He smiled at 
her and shook his head, and it seemed to reassure her, 
though the smile she gave him in return was more mourn- 
ful than tears.” 

gtella laughed lightly. 


128 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


What an imagination yon have, Addie/" she said half 
contemptuously. ''You have played emotional parts for 
so long that you are thoroughly imbued with sensational 
romance. Why do you not write a novel?"' 

"Say what you like, it is true," persisted Miss Fern. 

"Nonsense! I never saw people more thoroughly in love 
in my life than Ted and Navie. They will be happy,, 
never fear." 

"Do you believe that they are always happiest who 
love most?" asked Miss Fern. "It seems to me that an 
infatuated husband would become rather a bore in 
time." 

" Not if the infatuation is mutual," answered Stella, 
earnestly. " God help the woman who is a party to a 
loveless marriage, say I." 

" Hear! hear!" exclaimed Jack Fosburg, one of Stella's 
friends, as he approached and overheard her closing 
words. "The divine Stella has become a stump orator, 
and prates of love." 

Don't mix your terms so. Jack," said Stella, with 
mock severity. " Orators never prate." 

" It's all the same," continued Jack, undaunted. "I 
dare say they do, only they have a reputation, and peo- 
ple can't deprecate them. What a happy man Brownell 
ought to be." 

"And how do you know that he is not?" 

"Why, I saw him looking as sour as stale beer a mo- 
ment ago, and an occasion like this should so remind him 
of his own happiness that he has only room for hilar- 
ity." 

"What was the matter?" 

" Oh, I don’t know. Come to think, I don't wonder 
though, for, after all, it might have made him particu- 
larly jolly. Somebody was telling him something about 
an old flame of yours, that we all thought was to be the 
happy possessor some time— Phil Pendennis." 

" What about him?" 

The voice which spoke was utterly unlike Stella's. It 
was cold, and dull, and metallic, but when Jack Fosburg 
looked at her, she was smiling in her old saucy way, as if 
the world contained nothing but light, and happiness, 
and love. 

" Why, let me see," said Fosburg, believing he had 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


120 


been mistaken. He’s off liis head, or some sueli mat- 
ter. Went out of his mother’s house in a terrible state, 
charged down the street with his hat in his hand, gestic- 
ulating violently and talking about money and women, 
and then, all at once, he tumbled over all in a heap, and 
had to be carried home in an ambulance; now he’s raving 
in delirium and has to be watched by two or three men. 
There! you have it all, and I’m out of breath.” 

He stopped in his harangue, and looked at Stella. 
The smile had not faded from her face, but seemed to 
have been frozen there. Her lips were rigid, her eyes 
set, her complexion loamy. 

He saw and — understood. 

AVith that kindness of heart for which actors are noted, 
he placed himself in front of her, so that he screened her 
from the other guests. 

She noticed the act, and it recalled her to herself more 
than any Avords could liave done. 

Thank you,” she murmured, simply. '^He was an 
— old — friend, and I am sorry — very sorry for him.” 

Ho you think it necessary to explain to me?” he 
asked, earnestly, all the lightness gone from his tone. 
‘‘1 Avas a brute to speak as I did, but I did not knoAV.” 

^^Hot knoAV Avhat?” asked Stella, throAving back her 
head Avith a regal gesture which he remembered meant 
war. That Mr. Pendennis Avas a friend Avhom I liked 
in the old days?” 

^^Yes — anything,” answered Fosburg, vaguely, admir- 
ing her desire to cover her Aveakness. 

Where are Havie and Ted, Jack?” she asked, Avith all 
her old vivacity. 

^^Lord knoAvs! Escaped someAvhere to bill and coo 
aAvhile, I guess. ^ Oos ducky is oo?’ etc. You knoAV the 
old chestnuts.” 

Let us see if Ave can find them.” 

He offered his arm obediently, and they left the room 
together. 

Ill the hall Stella excused herself and went upon her 
search alone. 

In a small, exquisite .morning-room at the end of the 
hall Earlscourt had found a moment alone with his Avife. 

She Avas radiantly beautiful in her shimmering satin 
robe, for Stella Avould hear of nothing less than white 


130 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


with orange blossoms. Her arms were bare, her neck un- 
covered, her dress of finest fabric covered witli costly lace, 
and over all her lovely face gleamed like a star. 

She raised her beautiful, bare arms and placed them 
about her husband's neck, who stood befoie her flushed, 
eager, aud handsome. 

Oh, Ted, how happy I am!" she murmured below 
her breath, as if to give it expression would be to provide 
her happiness wings. ^'Almost wickedly happy." 

And yet I almost fancied that I saw a shade of re- 
gret upon your face," he answered, as he bent to kiss the 
sweet, tremulous lips. 

^^If there at all," she exclaimed brokenly, ^^it was 
brought by a knowledge of my unworthiness." 

Never say that again," commanded Earlscourt ten- 
derly. ‘^No matter what your surroundings may have 
been, you must remember that uncleanliness cannot mar 
the value of a diamond. It is only where the jewel itself 
is defaced, when it is full of imperfections and flaws, that 
it is worthless." 

You have not yet discovered mine." 

Nor ever shall. I ask no blessings sent from heaven. 
I have them all, possessing you." 

Navie shuddered in his arms. 

^‘Do not say so. It sounds like sacrilege, and is one 
of God's most punishable offenses. Oh, Ted, should any- 
thing occur to cause you to withdraw your love from me, 
I should die." 

lie laughed lightly, overlooking the dark shadow which 
hung about her, but whose presence she could feel. 

You talk foolishly, my darling, but I will not chide, 
for it shows me the extent of your love. Do not fear. 
My heart is an unruly member, over which I have no 
control. You have full possession, and I no choice. 
Whether I would will it so or not, you are my idol, my 
one love, my own, my wife." 

He pressed her to his heart and kissed her passion- 
ately. 

‘‘But if I had been false, Ted, away back in my 
life " 

“ Why, then. I'd tear the heart from my breast which 
held so despicable a love." 


BTELLA, THE STAR. 


131 


She buried her face in his bosom, to hide the blanched 
terror of it, and still he smiled. 

^‘'What nonsense you can talk, sweetheart,^Mie con- 
tinued tenderly. shall begin to believe soon that I 
have married a veritable child. 

The door opened to admit Stella. 

Hei-e you are at last,^' she cried nervously. I have 
looked for you everywhere. 

“ What is the matter?” asked Navie anxiously, notic- 
ing the pallor of the usually beautifully tinted face. 

‘^Nothing!” she answered; ‘^or, rather, everything, 
which amounts to much the same. Ted, Philip Penden- 
nis is seriously ill, and ! must hear the truth of his con- 
dition. I have no one to trust but you. Will you find 
out for me, old friend?” 

There was a world of grief and suppressed emotion in 
her voice, which went straight to the hearts of her list- 
eners. 

^^Of course I will,” returned Earlscourt, heartily, 
^^but I think you excite yourself unnecessarily, dear.” 

/^No ; it is true, and I am the cause of it. Oh, Ted, 
if he dies, I — I ” 

The sweet voice trembled and broke, while the purple 
eyes gazed at them dry and tearless. 

will not die,” said Earlscourt, reassuringly. 

There! Calm yourself, dear. You are giving way 
without cause.” 

She shivered as if with cold. 

^‘’E’o, I do not. I have suffered so much that my very 
heart seems numb and paralyzed, and yet I have power 
to suffer still.” 

Do not speak so,” exclaimed Earlscourt, gently tak- 
ing her hand. It will all come right by and by.” 

Prophetic? Yes. But if he could only have known 
the means. 

Let us return to the drawing-room,” he continued, 
“ and do not become downcast until you receive my re- 
port.” 

You will tell me the truth? You will conceal noth- 
ing?” she asked, eagerly. 

On my honor!” he answered, as he led them back to 
their guests. 


132 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


CHAPTEE XXV. 

As the last guest departed with a smiling an revoir 
from Stella, a liveried messenger arrived with a note for 
her. 

One of her own servants brought it and placed it in 
her hand. 

Before she broke the seal she recognized the heraldic 
emblems upon the envelope and nerved herself to hear 
something, she knew not what. 

‘'Dear Mrs. Brownell,^^ — she read — " Doubtless you 
have already heard of my son’s serious illness, for bad 
news is falcon-winged, and I am cast down with nervous 
dread and apprehension. His visit to you at the theater, 
and your promise to fly with him, seem to prey upon his 
diseased, delirious mind, and his physicians tell me that 
their only hope of saving his life lies in you. We are 
compelled to keep him under constant espionage and re- 
strain him forcibly, while his calls for you are piteous. 
He has not slept a single moment, and the strongest 
sedatives have no effect. I am almost crazed with grief 
and fear. 

" Will you come to my boy? I never counsel decep- 
tion between a husband and wife, but this is a matter 
of serious moment, an affair of life and death. Your 
love, even though a crime, can save him. Have you the 
courage to restore to me his precious life and leave him 
again? Can you add this sacrifice to the one you have 
made and are making, for his sake? Can you save his 
life from consuming fever by an act of pardonable du- 
plicity, even as you have saved it from your husband at 
the cost of your lifers happiness? If so, I beseech you, 
come! Cordelia Pendei^nis.’^ 

Stella crushed the note in her hand and started to her 
feet, her face blanched with terror. 

"He will die!” she whispered, her mind in a chaotic 
state, " and I will be to blame. Oh, my love, mv love!’^ 

She rushed headlong up the stairs, and almost tumbled 
into her husband’s arms. 

"Hello! Whither away, fair maid?” he exclaimed, 
facetiously. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


1B3 


^ I am going a milking, sir, she said,^ she answered, 
forcing herself to speak in his own vein, though her lips 
were drawn and strained in her agony. 

Why, Stella,^’ he cried, noticing the effort she made 
to appear merry, ‘^you are awfully pale. Are you ill?''^ 
The wedding has upset me a trifle. I am going to 
my room to rest until six,^^ she returned, uneasily. 

‘'That is right. You need it. I will give orders that 
you are not to be disturbed. By the way: who was 
your note from? I noticed Thompson had one.” 

She looked at him for a moment, but his countenance 
was perfectly serene and undisturbed. 

“ The redoubtable Madame O’Connell has summoned 
me to appear before her tribunal. In short, i am to 
have a dress fitted.” 

She spoke gayly, and flitted by him down the long hall 
to her own room. 

Once there, the smile which she had impelled to serve 
her, forsook her white lips, and with fingers wliich shook 
so that they were almost useless, she removed her own 
dress and replaced it with one of rich, dark material. 
Then putting on her cloak and hat, she drew a thick, 
dark veil across her face and, locking her door, slipped 
noiselessly from the house. 

She walked swiftly in the direction of the Pendennis 
mansion, and, having rang for admission, was shown into 
the presence of Mrs. Pendennis. 

“How is he?” she asked, forgetting greetings in her 
nervous dread of hearing the worst. 

“No better,” answered his mother, tremulously, shad- 
ing her face with her hand, as all her treachery to this 
loving, generous woman returned to her. “ Will you go 
to him at once?” 

Without speaking, Stella motioned to her to lead the 
way, and followed to the room where the sick man lay. 

Two physicians were there, one on either side of the 
bed, each endeavoring by persuasion, and some force, to 
keep their patient in bed and from injuring himself, and 
at the foot of the bed stood a professional nurse. 

He was clutching nervously at the covers of the bed, 
and raving out as they prevented him from rising. 

“I tell you, you shall not detain me. She is waiting; 


lU 


STELLA, THE STAJR. 


don^t you hear? Oh, Stella, darling! I am coming. 
Wait, deal, wait!” 

He made another ineffectual attempt to spring from the 
bed, just as the door opened to admit his mother and 
Stella. 

At last!” exclaimed one of the doctors, in relieved ac- 
cents. “ Come at once, Mrs. Brownell, and see how 
superior you are to science.” 

She had already crossed the floor, and fallen upon her 
knees at his side, oblivions of all save the change in the 
appearance of the man she loved. 

Philip,” she whispered, soothingly, laying her cool, 
soft hand upon his burning face, ‘‘1 have come to you, 
dear. Do you know me — Stella?” 

Calmly he lay back upon his pillow and smiled with 
the placid sweetness of a little child. 

Yes, I know you,” he answered, softly. You are 
the one star over the donjon tower, and you shine alone 
for me. Is it not true?” 

Yes, for you alone, dear,” she murmured, gently, 
while tears choked her voice. 

And the others retired to an adjoining room and, leav- 
ing the door aiar, left them alone. 

You will be quiet now and try to sleep, will you 
not?” she continued, when she could control her voice. 

No,” he answered, gently shaking his head, while 
the same tranquil smile remained upon his flushed face. 
“ I should be afraid I would dream you were here, and 
should know no peace for fear I should awake. Having 
you will do more than rest. You are reason, and lone- 
liness is delirium. ‘^My brain says, ^ You rave,^ and my 
heart pleads against it, and the victory belongs to my 
heart, for I am weak.” 

“ And therefore need sleep,” interrupted Stella. You 
must live, Philip.” 

Live?’^’he repeated, dwelling happily upon the word, 
while he pressed her pink palm to his cheek. “ Yes, I 
live now when you are here. I think, if my soul stood 
seeking admission at the gate of heaven, and I should 
turn one moment to cast a pitying glance at those in 
hades, if I saw you there I would forsake eternal paradise 
to be clasped one moment in your arms, even then to 
separate forever. From star to star, from sea to sea, 


STELLA, THE STAR, 135 

from heaven to hades, you are my endless, limitless, in- 
finite eternity/' 

He spoke with a passionate earnestness, with a loving 
lingering upon each word, whicli gave them almost an 
unholy sound. 

And she — was silent. Silent from very excess of emo- 
tion, and almost ceased to breathe as, with bowed head 
and doN^ncast eyes, she listened to the full, rich, tremu- 
lous tones of his voice, as he told her of that love which 
could not die ! 

For some moments he lay, silently caressing the little 
hand, which still rested on his burning cheek; and when 
he spoke, there was a plaintive sound about his voice 
which suggested the heavier tones of an yEolian harp, 
when the wind which plays upon it bears tears in its 
bosom. 

I believe, had I been cold, dead, and dumb to all the 
world contained, and you, entering, had found me thus, 
that one tiny, fluttering kiss from your dear lips upon 
my eyelids would have caused them to open for one look 
at yonr perfect face, my spirit would have returned from 
its exile in eternal space, and life, glad, joyous, happy, 
would have rushed in headlong, eager haste through my 
veins again. I believe, if I were dead and away up there 
in the blue vault of tlio mystic heaven, and you should 
long to see my face once more, I should find a means to 
gather every star of night within my hands, and, holding 
them on high, direct your sight to me, until your gaze, 
led by their light, fell full upon me. 

The salty seeds of your dear tears upon my grave would 
cause flowers to spring, to sliow that even in death my 
love could not forget. I believed my faith in your truth, 
your love, to be so nobly placed, that I would have as soon 
expected to see the moon false to the light it has always 
shown, and fall like a dead thing to this world of ours, as 
you unworthy my worship; and yet, oh, Stella, worse than 
Esau, that the Bible tells us of, you sold not only your 
birthright, but both our hearts, both our lives, both our 
souls, for paltry gold, and my mother was the purciiaser! 
And still, still I love you, with a deathless and immortal 
love. I cannot strangle it, it will not burn out, it will 
not even starve. Denied a kiss, a word, even a careless 


136 


STELLA, THE STAR. 

glance, it would )'^et live upon the air you breathe. Oh, 
Stella, why — why wore you false to me?"' 

The voice died away in a wail, which touched her very 
soul. 

She had raised her head, and was looking at him with 
strained earnestness. 

WHio — who told you that I — sold our love, Philip?'" 

The words were scarcely spoken, they came more as the 
faint, whispering sound that comes to us when an echo 
dies away. 

^•'My mother!" 

No need for him further to explain; she saw all, knew 
all by that divine intuition which governs a woman's life, 
and she bowed her head and accepted the additional 
weight laid upon her yoke with only a faint beating of 
her heart against the fate which bound her. 

“ Stella, you told me once that you would go away with 
me, but you made that promise to— well, you know why. 
Forget that. Forget all doubt, all fear, all the past, and • 
think of our future, dear. Will you condemn yourself 
and me to further misery, or will you come with me, 
dear, for better or for worse? Decide now, and, what- 
ever it may be, by it will I abide." 

She arose and stood before him in all her glorious, per- 
fect beauty. 

For one moment there seemed to be a struggle between 
conflicting elements in her nature, but when she spoke, 
her vo’ce was Arm and unshaken. 

^‘The past is irrevocable, the future is God's, the pres- 
ent is ours. In that brief season which belongs to me, I 
promise that I will go ^whither thou goest,’ and it lies 
with God and in His future, to allow me to keep or 
break my design. T shall tight no more against my heart, 

I wage no more war with my soul's fond love, I render 
the sacrifice of a life of no account, I blight your future 
and blast your honor. I am accursed and yet — I go!" 

And from her soul she meant it. 

He raised his one useful arm and she, placing herself^ 
within the circle of its embrace, was drawn to his bosom 
and held there. 

He kissed her once lightly upon the lips, with no fire 
of irreyerent love; she lay peacefully upon his bosom, and 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


1^7 


when the silver-tongued clock chimed the hour, she 
raised her head and he — slept. 

She gently disengaged herself from his arm, and cross- 
ing the room on tiptoe, motioned to the others to enter. 
Noiselessly they obeyed her silent command, and one of 
the physicians, with scarcely perceptible touch, felt the 
fluttering pulse. 

There is undoubtedly improvement,^^ he said, softly, 
to his associate. '‘^The danger is already passed.’^ 

Stella breathed a light, hysterical sigh, which was al- 
most a sob, and taking one of his cards, she penciled 
across its face: 

Philip, I will return.” 

Give it to him when he awakes,” she whispered, and 
passing from the chamber left him there, asleep. 

Blindly, but with a certain guilty gladness, she made 
her way down-stairs and oiit into the waning sunlight, 
and there, awaiting her coming, close by the gate, his 
presence unconcealed, she found — her husband! 


CHAPTER XXVL 

As Stella raised her eyes and saw who stood before her 
her heart almost ceased its palpitations, and she clutched 
at the railing of the fence for support. 

With indifferent grace Brownell raised his hat and 
calmly offered her his arm. 

Tired?” he asked carelessly. You should not vent- 
ure upon such long walks when you are fatigued. Luck- 
ily the carriage is at the corner. Will you drive home?” 

She looked at him, not understanding his mood, but 
his face was perfectly composed and unmoved. 

Thanks!” she answered, as she declined by a gesture 
his proffered arm. 

She followed him to the carriage, and he assisted her 
to enter, then tucked the robes around her with quiet 
affection. 

Home!” he said to the coachman, and they were rap- 
idly driven there. 

tie commented upon the weather with greatest placid- 
ity, spoke about one of the horses being a trifle lame, and 


1*58 STELLA, THE STAR, 

even told her a funny anecdote one of the wedding-guests 
had told him. 

Arrived at home, he assisted her from the carriage, and 
followed her to her own boudoir. 

He dismissed her maid, and waited until she had re- 
moved her hat and wraps, then all the carelessness disap- 
peared from his manner, and he stood before her like an 
avenging Nemesis. 

“Perhaps now,^’ he said, in a hard, cold voice, “you 
will be kind enough to explain to me hoW you happened 
to be in that house when you represented yourself to me 
as desiring a rest for your evening’s work.’^ 

She hesitated a moment, then answered in a low, 
sweet voice which resembled the tender notes of a bird: 

“ Mrs. Pendennis sent for me, and I answered her 
call.^^ 

“ I was not aware that you were acquainted. 

“We have known each other for months*” 

“Why did she wish to see you?” 

“The — the reason she wished should remain a secret, 
Raoul. You trust me, do you not?” 

“Answer this much: Did you see her son?” 

She remained silent for some minutes. 

To tell a lie hurt her, and she despised it; but the 
trutli — there was no limit to the harm it might do. 

Then she summoned courage and answered, one word: 

“No!” 

“How do you explain this letter?” 

He held the fatal missive before her eyes and spoke in 
a triumphant, cruel voice, which was almost worse than a 
blow. 

For a single moment the letter and the contents of the 
room seemed to swim before her eyes; she opened lier lips, 
and a voiceless groan seemed to come from her very heart, 
her lips stiffened, and it was with the greatest effort that 
she spoke. 

“ I have no explanation to offer,” she said hoarsely. 

Then you confess that when you said you did not see 
Philip Pendennis you— lied?” he^asked brutally. 

“ I confess it.” 

The words were scarcely articulated; they seemed to 
slip through the dry, parched lips without any volition of 
her own. Her eyes were wide open, looking at him with 


STELLA, THE STAR, 139 

a fixed stare wliicli burned into his very soul, and yet she 
saw nothing. 

Dazed at first by her audacity in confessing the hideous 
truth, he glared at her in stupid amazement; then, with 
a horrible, smothered imprecation, he leaped toward her, 
with only the feelings of the savage beast in his mind and 
heart, his hand raised, ready to strike, his eyes glowing 
with imbruted ferocity. 

But she raised her hand, and, by a gesture, stopped 
him. 

‘^Don^’t do that!'^ she said, in a scorched, emotionless 
voice. You degrade yourself, and I — am not worth it.^’ 

^he sunk in a little heap into a chair, and looked at 
him with eyes from which every particle of expression had 
fled. 

^^Tell me one thing, and as there is truth in you, speak 
the truth, he exclaimed. ‘^Do you love that man?"'’ 

She did not even lower her head, she did not seek to 
conceal anything, but the glory of divinity seemed to rest 
upon her lovely face, and, with its aureola-crowned head, 
resembled some perfect mediaeval saint. 

I will not attempt to deceive you again, Raoul,"" she 
answered monotonously, though her face was irradiated 
with its almost sacred expression. ‘^1 do love him. I 
have tried with all my soul to conquer it, but it was 
stronger than I and overwhelmed me. I tried to let it 
burn itself out, but the fire was unquenchable, and burned 
on with even stronger, irrepressible fury. I tried to 
strangle it, but the red marks of my tightly-gripped 
fingers only made new circles of unending, guilty, bliss- 
ful torture for me; and if I thought it dead, it arose in 
the night and stood by my bedside, shouting aloud in its 
mirth at my mistake, and in a quivering, eager voice, ex- 
claiming, ^Seek hot to destroy me, for I am immortal!" 
There is no death for love, Raoul! I have wronged you! 
If I could only have foreseen it all! I would give all the 
rest of my wretched life if I could only roll back the uni- 
verse for a few short months. Raoul, you have been 
good and generous to me, and you say — Ym love me! I 
will go away from you — you shall never see my hateful, 
deceptive face again, if you will only tell me that you 
forgive me."" 

She had arisen from her crouching attitude in the 


140 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


chair, and now stood before him, her face convulsed with 
torture, her arms extended imploringly. 

He threw her hands aside with fiendish harshness, and 
seized her roughly by the shoulder. 

^^Never!"^ he hissed through his set teeth, his breath 
coming almost with a sound. I would kill you were it 
not that I see a way to make you suffer more. I have 
believed this all along. I knew he was in your dressing- 
room at the theater. You have lied to me, tricked me, 
but I know at last, and he dies. There is no hope for 
him. It may be a consolation to you in the future to 
know that you caused his death.” 

She saw the weiglit of his words. It was what she h^d 
feared would occur; but she knew that it was worse than 
useless to attempt to deceive him after his perusal of that 
letter, and that she must trust to her own ingenuity 
alone to prevent it. 

Her face became positively death-like. 

You will not do that,” she whispered. You will 
not make yourself a murderer because of me.” 

He laughed grimly. 

It is not my becoming a murderer for which you 
care,” he cried. 

But you must think of yourself, Raoul.” 

do,” he answered, with savage sternness, '^and 
only of myself. There is only one feeling upon this 
earth which is stronger than love, and that is hate com- 
bined with thirst for revenge. Until I can bring to you 
a sample of his lifers blood, my vengeance will be incom- 
plete. Then will your torture begin. I will not kill 
you. I have a better plan for vindicating my wrongs, 
compared with which death would be a pleasant release. 
But first he dies.” 

To Stella that sentence comprised all the suffering 
which the world held, and she would have dropped from 
heaven into the depths of hades, and have considered it 
a sweet privelege, to have prevented it. 

With a cry which issued from the depths of her heart 
she fell upon her knees before him and raised her hands 
in supplication. 

“ You must not,” she gasped, wildly. “ Oh, Raoul, 
have you no pity, no mercy? He has committed no sin. 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


141 


Tlie fault is mine, all mine. Kill me and let him live. 
On my knees I beseech you, have mercy! have mercy!^’ 

With his foot he spurned her and she fell upon her 
face. 

^‘Have you sunk so low as that?” he asked, scorn- 
fully. ‘‘Have you no greater sense of shame than to 
plead with your husband for your lover’s life?” 

“ My love, but not my lover,” she corrected, sorrow- 
fully. “ Absolve me from that, Raoul, from the sin of 
living under your roof while I brought dishonor upon 
your name. Oh, Raoul, I am so unutterably miserable, 
so divided between love and duty. Have pityupon me, 
and help me, oh, my husband, help me to do right.” 

Only a little compassion; only a little sympathy; only a 
little uplifting of the drooping spirit and — the drama oft 
the stage would have ended without the sacrifice of a life, 
the curtain would have rung down upon a woman repent- 
ant of a guilty design and saved through the medium of 
love. . ^ 

But he knew nothing of the spirit of immolation; he 
knew nothing of propitiation, he only thought of his own 
selfish desires, which could not be gratified, and he cared 
nothing for the saving of her soul or for its eternal con- 
demnation. Ilis highest thought was bodily possession 
and he put her from him with an odious oath. 

“Pity!” he repeated, contemptuously. “Have you 
had pity on me? ‘ What am I? A dupe, a gull, a de- 
ceived husband!” 

“No; by, Heaven you wrong me!” exclaimed Stella, ^ 
leaping to her feet as the last words fell from his lips. 
“1 swear it! I may have wronged you in thought, but 
not in deed.” 

“ Perhaps, but I merely anticipated the act,” he re- 
plied, coldly. “ My assertion may be premature — cer- 
tainly it would not have been false had I givmi you more 
time. Were you a thousand times more guilty, I could 
not despise you more.” 

“You will not forgive me, Raoul?” she asked, with 
tenderest entreaty. 

“Never!” he answered, firmly. “I have already for- 
gotten that I ever loved you. Because you are my wife, 
the man dies who possesses your heart. You have 
changed me from a tender, loving husband to a fiend.” 


143 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


^^Only say you forgive me, Raoul,” she pleaded, pite- 
ously. I will go away. You shall never see me again, 
and you will be happy.” 

'‘You will do nothing of the kind,” he returned, in a 
cruel, sneering voice. You would follow in the foot- 
steps of the other members of your profession, who con- 
sider a divorce as only a matter of every-day occurrence. 
I will not have my name dragged through the mire. 
Having married one of your kind was bacj enough.” 

With a haughty gesture of majestic pride, Stella threw 
back her head and looked him in the eye. 

" I beg that you will leave my profession out of the 
question,” she said, slowly. " We belong to the public, 
consequently our poor little private misery is theirs, while 
the wonderful society, of which you are a most worthy 
scion, keeps their griefs and disgraces from the papers, 
simply by the amount of ducats they are forced to put 
out. I am tired of it all. Had you shown me any sym- 
pathy, any pity, had you shown any desire to save me, I 
would have regarded you almost as a god; but you have 
shown me only that contemptible, mean-spirited princi- 
ple which I have always known you possessed. Perhaps 
you are right, and every other man would have acted in 
the same way. Perhaps I deserve the names you have 
called me, the insults you have not hesitated to shower 
upon me. If you can afford to defy the criminal court, I 
can defy the divorce court. I am done. My struggle is 
ended.” 

Listen to me!” cried Brownell, seizing her by the 
arm and speaking in a voice husky with anger. "Any 
move which you may make means instarit death to him. 
Do you understand me? Even if I do the work of an 
assassin, I shall not wait. Remember that his ' life for 
the immediate present is in your hands. Now ao, and 
may the curse of Heaven go with you!” 

He threw her from him so violently that she went reel- 
ing and staggering across the room, and he, not waiting 
to know in what way he had injured her, left the room 
with a frightful oath, and slammed the door behind him. 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


14^ 


CHAPTER XXyiL 

'' Good-morning, Mrs. Earlscourt!'^ 

The name was pronounced with just the faintest 
soupcon of a sneer as Brownell entered one of the charm- 
ing little morning- rooms, the day following his recorded 
interview with Stella. 

By Stella’s special invitation, Navie and her husband 
were guests at her house, and were to remain so until 
after her return from Europe, or Ted Earlscourt was 
called from the city. 

Good -morning, Mr. Brownell,” answered Xavie, fail- 
ing to detect any ill-humor in his greeting. Stella not 
out of bed yet? Why, it is quite eleven o’clock.” 

I am by no means interested in the hour at which 
my wife chooses to rise, and have made no investigation 
as to whether she is in bed or not,” he returned, coldly. 

Navie looked at him in surprise. ^ 

^‘1 am afraid Morpheus has not affected you well,” 
she said, serenely. You are as cross as — as — as two 
sticks.” 

Brownell frowned. 

did not come here to have the state of my temper 
commented upon,” he answered, severely. 

‘‘Didn’t you?” asked Navie, with mock humility. 
“I’m so sorry I spoke. What did you come for, then?” 

“ Are you ready to obey me?” 

“ What a funny question.” 

“ That is not an answer to it.” 

Navie stared at him. 

“What are you talking about?” 

“ I asked you a simple question,” he returned, sternly, 
“and shall be obliged for just as simple an answer.” 

Navie opened her eyes wide and regarded him in amaze- 
ment. 

“ Mr. Brownell,” she said, slowly, “have you suddenly 
lost your senses? I have not the least idea of what you 
are speaking of.” 

“You understand the English language, do you not?” 
he asked, sneeringly. 

“Comparatively well.” 


144 


BTELLA, THE SfAU. 

“ I asked if you are ready to obey me. It does not 
require a dictionary to explain those words."’^ 

Navie drew herself up with a hauteur that might have 
became an empress. 

what way do you wish to be obeyed she asked, 
with freezing coldness. 

In anything which I may order you to do,^"* he re- 
turned, firmly. 

They stood before each other, and looked straight in 
each other^s eyes, measuring their antagonistical 
strength. 

Why do you not speak plainly she asked, disdain- 
fully. There is a meaning underlying your words. 
Express it. I will listen.^^ 

“ You are right, he answered, with a gesture expres- 
sive of his innate arrogance. I wish you to watch my 
wife closely. Never for a single instant lose sight of 
her. Read every letter she receives or writes particularly, 
and report every act, every word to me.^^ 

He paused and regarded her curiously. 

She had drawn herself to her full height, her magnifi- 
cent eyes were flashing fire. 

^^And if I refuse she asked. 

‘^Pardon me, but I do not think you will be foolish 
enough to do anything of the kind.^^ " 

Why?^^ 

None but an idiot would ask such a question, andl 
you are not quite a fool.'’^ 

I begin to think that I am. Are you a gentleman,, 
or a villain 

Either, when it suits my purpose, ’Hie answered, with 
perfect composure. 

With what do you threaten me? for foolish and im- 
potent as I. am in mind, I can see that a threat is con- 
veyed in your every word and tone.” 

'He shrugged his shoulders lightly. 

I threaten!” he repeated, mockingly. I never 
threaten a — lady, until she refuses to do as I bid her.” 

"MVell, I refuse positively and emphatically to be a 
spy upon your wife, who has been my best and truest 
friend.” 

Brownell laughed. 

How pretty I” he exclaimed contemptuously. What 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


145 


play IS it from? The manner was superb. 1 wonder 
where the poor little, youthful street-singer learned it? 
Think again, cara mia, before you so ‘ positively and 
emphatically^ refuse. I wonder how your honorable 
husband would like to hear the story of Navie Marble- 
head V* 

Navie shrunk back, her pretty, bright face becoming 
blue as if with a chill, her teeth chattering. 

You — you surely would not do that?^^ she gasped, 
hope you will not force me to,” he returned care- 
lessly. 

^^But you — ^you were the cause of my marrying him. 
You encouraged, almost coerced me.” 

‘^Did it never occur to you, with a brain so brilliant in 
executing deception, that I must have had my own rea- 
sons for so doing? Did you believe me so pure in 
thought and design, so full of Christian cliarity, as to be 
interested in you for your own sake? Pahl You can- 
not have believed me such a dunce!” 

She looked at him for some time in amazed silence, 
scarcely believing the evidence of her own ears. 

^^You mean me to understand,” she said hoarsely, 

that unless I consent to your base terms, you will tell 
my husband of my awful past, after all you have said, all 
you have done?” 

“ I see that I have spoken plainly at last,” he returned 
with mock ceremoniousness. Do not doubt for one 
moment that I mean just that.” 

“ You could not be so contemptible, so vile a scoun- 
drel. You are merely striving to frighten me.” 

Again Brownell laughed with that low, villainous 
chuckle which was one of his characteristics. 

You compliment me,” he said scornfully. ^^Come, 
we have talked long enough. Either consent to my 
terms, or refuse. In the event of refusal I shall go to 
your husband with your story and my proofs. Choose 
now, and quickly. What is your answer?” 

For only one moment she stood in irresolution, then 
stood erect before him. 

My determination is made!” she said, firmly, but 
with intense pathos. I will bear the burden of my 
own wrong-doing, and I will not add to it one jot, I will 
not increase it by one falsehood.” 


140 


STELLA, THE STAE, 


You must remember liow completely you are in my 
power/^ 

'‘You are deceived. There is one refuge left me. 
What has been done I cannot undo, but it shall not be 
augmented; but this much I swear: Before he, my hus- 
band, shall shed one tear of grief, before his face shall 
be crimsoned by a blush of shame occasioned by any 
fault of mine, I will die. I will stab my heart rather 
than my husband^s honor.^^ 

“ YesT returned Brownell, ironically, “Tve heard of 
a wornan^s courage many times. She swears and vows, 
and I know also how she keeps her pledges. Poisons, 
daggers, pistols, and the like, are charming in the per- 
spective — oh, mere trifles!— but when the moment comes, 
she weeps, her hand trembles, and — she throws aside the 
weapon of self-destruction.’^^ 

" Have you ever seen a desperate woman 

She was bending forward now, looking at him with 
blood-shot eyes, in which he read an awful purpose. 

He shuddered, but concealed it behind a smile. 

It was not his purpose to drive her to extreme meas- 
ures, but only to extort acquiescence to his wishes 
through her torture and fear. 

" Many times!^^ he answered, with an affectation of the 
utmost sa7igfroid. 

" Did they stop at trifles like death 

"Not seen in a vista, as I tell you. But it is not so 
agreeable when the nnforgiven sin is brought face to face 
with a cowardly spirit.^^ 

" The unforgivable sin of a life I have committed. 
Had I not just as well risk the mercy of God in a world 
of which I know nothing, as the curse of this world 
which, in the certainty of my little knowledge, is my all? 
My fear is my husband^s hatred, my dread is his con- 
tempt. The limited minds of the wisest of mortal men 
do not prepare him for forgiveness of such sins as mine. 
My husband is not a god!^' 

" You love him, and are happy in his love. Then 
why not submit to my terms, and save yourself all future 
sorrow?’^ urged Brownell, with a change of manner. 

" What guarantee have I that you would not demand 
more at any time?” 

" My word!” 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


147 


Yolir word!” she repeated with infinite scorn. 
had rather trust my life upon the bosom of the ebbing 
tide which would bear me away to the wild, cold waters 
of the cruel ocean. What you have to tell him, what you 
know already, you may repeat, but you shall never add to 
your list of treachery against me one act of deceit or 
duplicity. You have my decision. Now do your worst. 
I do not defy you. I simply say that I will not betray 
my friend.” 

And I will not accept that as your ultimatum. Take 
time to think. It is only a little thing which I ask of 
you, absolutely nothing when connected with a virtuous 
woman. Think of what you sacrifice. A whole lifers 
happiness, and more — your husband's esteem. I ask you 
only to watch my wife and report her acts to me. Think 
it over. I believe you will alter your determination.” 

Never!” she answered firmly. ‘‘ There is no appeal 
against a decision like mine. My honor, tarnished and 
rust-eaten as it is, is at stake, and I will accept death in 
preference to sullying it further.” 

“Still I will not receive it as my answer. I will give 
you a few days' time.” 

He left the room -as he ceased speaking, and she stood 
where he had left her, stunned, cold, numb, motionless. 

After long minutes of emotionless, stubborn agony, she 
raised her arms above her head and turned her white, 
tortured face upward. 

“ It has come,” she whispered in a Yoice hushed with 
anguish. “Now, oh. Lord! oh, God, pity me!” 


CHAPTER XXVIIL 

Seve^t days had passed. 

Hays of unending torture, of weary, dragging ages of 
pain to the dramatis personw of this little play of real 
life. 

Afraid to act according to the dictates of her own 
heart, lest she should place Philip's life even more in 
jeopardy, Stella remained at her home, almost holding 
her breath in fear of sometliing, she scarcely knew what. 

She wrote to Philip, explaining that it would be im- 
possible for her to go to him and she had heard not one 


148 


STELLA, THE STAR. * 


word in reply, save one card from liis mother, telling her 
that he was convalescing rapidly. 

There had been no further mention made of any Eu- 
ropean trip, and slie lived from day to day, utterly un- 
certain of the events which the following hour might 
bring, and ineffably miserable because of her awful ap- 
prehension. 

And Navie? Only those who have sat in constant mor- 
tal terror, lest at any moment the waters of a horrible 
past may ingulf them, can understand or appreciate her 
hideous position. 

Unwearied in his exertions to torment her into sub- 
mission to his wishes, and determined to succeed now 
that he had taken his stand, Brownell allowed her 
scarcely a moment of peace or quiet. It was the same 
old story with Uavie, only with increased anguish, a 
smiling face worn to muffle the death-chime ringing in 
her soul. 

** Behind no prison-grate, she said, 

Which slurs the sunshine half a mile, 

Live captives so uncomforted 
As souls behind a smile. 

God’s pity let us pray, she said.” 

And Philip Pendennis was getting well. His very un- 
easiness of heart and mind had been an excellent tonic, 
and, finding himself alone one day, he put on his over- 
coat and hat and left the house. 

His face was pale and cadaverous, while his large, dark 
eyes shone like brilliant stars. There was something pos- 
itively appealing in his wan face, which, even more than 
ever, attracted attention for its striking beauty, that 
seemed almost to contain something supernal. 

His steps, as he walked down the street, were not quick, 
and yet a certain nervous manner gave him the appear- 
ance of haste. 

He scarcely knew where he was going, or what he 
was going for; he had no fixed purpose, but aimlessly 
walked along. 

He turned into a side street and stopped short, al- 
most as if forced to it from collision, for before him 
stood Brownell. 

They faced each other, that illy matched pair, for a 
moment in silence. One showing in his delicate, re- 


STELLA, THE STAR, . 


149 


fined, intellectual face the evidence of ill-health, his arm 
still carried in its sling, but, nevertheless, exhibiting un- 
daunted courage; the other, magnificent in his muscu- 
lar, animal strength, a Hercules in body, a lilliputian in 
spirit. 

And he, the animal, was the first to speak. 

am glad to see that you are recovering,’Mie said, 
grimly, a disagreeable, sneering smile distorting his 
lips. 

Pendennis, always the gentleman, raised his hat with 
his left hand. 

Thank you,” he answered, coldly. 

There will bo no longer any reason why you should 
delay taking your satisfaction for the blow which you re- 
ceived at the club,” said Brownell, anxious to explain his 
meaning. 

Suppose I do not wish it?” returned Pendennis, 
calmly. 

BrownelPs face grew crimson with rage. 

^^It is not possiWe,” he said, with a grewsome counte- 
nance, ^^that you are such a coward and scoundrel.” 

For a moment all the mocking light died from Pen- 
dennis^ handsome eyes and a dangerous fury sjorung into 
them. 

You are right?” he answered, slowly. have no 
such desire. But let us seek some other cause for our 
quarrel. There is no necessity for bringing disgrace 
upon a lady's name.” 

That lady^s name is my care,” replied Brownell, 
angrily, ^^and I consider myself fully competent to guard 
it. You thought little of her disgrace when you insulted 
her virtue in a public clubroom.” 

I was a hot-headed fool,” said Pendennis, shortly, as 
he remembered his foolish speech. I spoke those 
words in her absence, and in her absence I make my apol- 
ogy. Hot to you, you understand, but to her. As far as 
you are concerned, I am more than willing to meet you at 
any time.” 

When your arm is well repeat that,” returned Brow- 
nell, with a sneer. You are safe in saying it now.” 

Again Pendennis^ face crimsoned. 

^MVhy need we wait for that?” he asked, haughtily. 
“1 am not afraid to face you with my left hand.” 


150 STELLA, THE STAR. 

You are anxious for public sympathy/^ said Brownell^ 
derisively. 

'' That is falser exclaimed Pendennis, hotly. 

no! I will wait/'^ answered Brownell, scoffingly, 
knowing full well that his tone would anger Philip into 
an immediate duel. 

You will do nothing of the kind!” be said^, quickly. 

If you have the courage you will fight to-day.” 

Brownell smiled exasperatingly. 

I don't think it can be a question of courage between 
you — and me! You are a sconndrel, who slipped into a 
friend's house, and while enjoying his hospitality, stole 
his wife's heart away — and yet you speak of courage.” 

For one moment Philip's whole frame quivered with 
anger, his fist clinched, and his eyes blazed fire. 

‘‘You have gone too far for any retraction for either 
of us,” he said, his voice hoarse with rage. “Now one 
of us must die, and at once.” 

“You will not alter your determination?” 

“ Never!” 

“ You insist upon its taking place at once?” 

“Immediately!” 

“ You will not change your decision?” 

“Your question is an insult.” 

“Very well. You shall hear from me in half an hour. 
Meantime, have I your word of honor that you will not 
mention this to any one save the frieiid whom you may 
ask to act as second ?” 

“ I have no desire to publish such an affair to the 
world. It is nothing of which either of us should feel 
proud.” 

“ Since this affair is so much out of the ordinary,” said 
Brownell, after a moment's thought, “suppose we settle 
the principal points of it ourselves? Any intimation of 
it to the police would, of course, end the matter.” 

Pendennis bowed. 

“You shoot with your left hand?” 

“ As well as with my right,” answered Pendennis, in- 
differently. 

“ That is well, as I believe pistols had already been de- 
cided upon. I know a capital place, only about an hour 
from the city, -where the cars run regularly. It is out of 
the State. We can get a carriage and go directly to Oj 


STELLA, THE BTAE. 


I5i 

Small wood which is about a mile from the village. It is 
very dense, and will suit our purpose exactly. Will that 
suit?’"' 

“Exactly/^ answered Pendennis, carelessly^ ^^May I 
be permitted a suggestion 

Decidedly!’^ 

What need have we for seconds? It is a little irregu- 
lar, of course, but the whole atfair is that. We are in no 
more danger, and the survivor’s life is not placed in the 
hands of unnecessary witnesses. A surgeon whom you may 
choose will be sufficient. Do you not think so?” 

It is an excellent arrangement under the circum- 
stances,” returned Brownell, his eyes glittering with relief. 

I know a man, an exceptionally good surgeon, who is 
worthy of all trust.” 

“^Then there is another agreement which we might 
make. I think the one who falls will have no desire to have 
his opponent punished for a faultwhich was half his own; 
consequently, I propose that we each prepare a paper bear- 
ing the words, ^ I die through my own fault,’ or something 
to that effect, duly signed for the protection of the sur- 
vivor. The surgeon may attend to it when the fortunate 
one has made his escape.” 

I am more than willing,” answered Brownell. 

And indeed he was. 

He knew his superiority as a shot to Pendennis, and 
handicapped as his antagonist was with a broken right 
arm and just having risen from a sick bed, there seemed 
not a chance or even the shadow of a chance against him. 

And Pendennis believed so also. He had practiced 
with a revolver a few times, hitting the target more by 
accident than correct aim, 'and had never even handled a 
weapon with his left hand. 

What chance had he? Hone, absolutely none! And 
yet that mistaken sense of honor which always governs 
men, held him in bondage, and he had no means and no 
desire to extricate herself. 

And Brownell, with his little-souled, mean-spirited 
nature, was glad of his extra advantage, and gloried in 
the murder he would commit. 

I think that is all,” said Pendennis, after a moment’s 
pause, noticing with disgust Brownell’s illy-concealed 
pleasure at his words. 


152 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


Yes, I think so. Let me see. It is now one oYlock. 

We will meet at C at three. Can you be ready and 

be there at that hour?'^ 

Easily.'’^ 

‘^1 will arrange all details. Until then 

The two men lifted their hats to each other and passed 
on. 

Many passers-by had noticed their conversation, but 
little thought that a life hung on the issue. 

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ * ^ ♦ 

The train steamed into the small station, and from dif- 
ferent cars the three men issued. 

They were all well muffled in handsome, heavy coats. 

The surgeon advanced, and having shook hands with 
Philip gave him directions for reaching their rendezvous. 

They took separate carriages and dismissed them, be- 
fore arriving at their destination, and at separate points. 

I suppose I shall have to be surgeon and second as 
well,^^ said the third party, looking curiously at the two 
determined men: Philip, so pale, so evidently ill; Brow- 
nell, so robust, so thoroughly an animal. 

If you please,^' answered Philip and Brownell in a 
breath. 

Have you any letters, any messages which you wish 
to leave in my charge?’^ he asked. 

They both handed him a folded paper which they had 
agreed upon. 

‘‘Now, shall it be the old arrangement of measuring 
ten paces, counting three, and, on tlie word ‘fire,’ turn- 
ing from back to back, to face? I know almost nothing 
of these things.” 

“Will that suit you?” asked Brownell of Philip, court- 
eously. 

Philip answered by a gesture of assent. 

The distance was measured, the men placed, with a 
bright-muzzled revolver in the hand of each. 

The v^^hole breath of earth seemed to be hushed and 
still over the terrible sacrifice about to be made. 

“ One — two — three!” 

* The men turned. 

“Fire!” 

The word was not much more than whispered, and yet 
the echoes took it up and fiung it about on their myriad 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


153 


tongues, but the sound was quickly drowned by the loud, 
death-carrying report of two simultaneously fired revol- 
vers. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

A STARTLED expression blanched the countenance of 
the surgeon when the smoke occasioned by the discharged 
revolvers had cleared away, for prone upon the ground lay 
both the men, instead of one, as he had expected. 

He first made a superficial examination of BrownelFs 
injuries, then, with a grave face, crossed to his antagonist. 
After a little more thorough examination than he had ac- 
corded the first, he tlirew back his head and laughed 
until the small but dense woods rang with his ill-timed 
mirth. 

To the death he said to himself aloud, drawing 
down the corners of his mouth in quiet ridicule. ‘^A 
mortal combat! It needed no thumbs down,^ as in the 
old gladiatorial days, for they were determined that one 
of them must die. Oh, ho, ho! Now, if I can just 
manage to get them separated before either of them re- 
turns to consciousness, and keep them in ignorance of 
each other^s fate for awhile, we may be able to patcii up 
this difficulty without more serious consequences.^^ 

He proceeded, as hurriedly as possible, to dress the two 
wounds, his face continuing to wear its ludicrous expres- 
sion. 

‘^It is funny!” he went on. After all Brownell’s re- 
marks and high-fiown utterances. It was a contemptible 
thing, though, for him to fight Pendennis, with his right 
arm disabled; but, then, Phil was always headstrong, and 
would have his own way. Brownell has got a little the 
worst of it, though neither of them have anything worse 
than a rather painful flesh wound in the shoulder. If I 
can manage to make them each a little sick, confine them 
to their rooms for a couple of weeks, and get things 
patched up a bit, all will go well perhaps! Well, the 
Lord looks out for the worst of us. 

Now, how am I going to manage to get these two 
rascals home? Special cars, of course; but what shall I 
do with them until I can get the cars? I shall have tp 


151 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


take one of those confounded drivers into my confidence, 
I suppose, perhaps both, as I can't trust them together 
mucii longer." 

He arose, and, making his way as quickly as possible to 
the edge of the woods, he whistled shrilly for the car- 
riages. 

They both came rattling up about the same time. 

The surgeon explained the situation as clearly as he 
deemed prudent, and asked their advice as to what had 
best be done with them temporarily. 

You can take one of them to my house," said one of 
the men. It's a poor place, but it's near here, and you 
are welcome." 

And I guess I kin take the other in," volunteered the 
second driver. 

'^All right," exclaimed the surgeon briskly; that will 
do nicely. Now, let us get them removed quickly." 

They returned to the fallen men, both of whom were 
beginning to show signs of returning consciousness. 

This one first," said the surgeon, pointing to 

Brownell. 

Gently as they could they raised him and carried him 
to the waiting carriage, then they returned for Penden- 
nis and placed him in the other. 

They were taken to the respective homes of the men, 
placed in bed, and made as comfortable as their meager 
surroundings would allow. 

When Pendennis opened his eyes, the surgeon was 
standing over him. 

A puzzled look came into his handsome face as he 
looked search ingly into the otlier's face. 

‘‘ Well?" he asked. “ Where is Brownell?" 

The doctor turned aside his head and remained silenfi. 

'MVhy do you not speak?’' asked Pendennis, raising 
himself upon his elbow. "" Surely I have not killed 
him?" 

“ You must not allow it to trouble you," answered the 
surgeon ambiguously. “ The result was in the hands of 
God, and everything has happened according to His will." 

Philip fell back upon his pillow, and a low moan es- 
caped his lips. 

‘‘Poor Brownell!" he murmured. “ How she will hate 
me now, I have settled my own fate. It would have 


STELLA, THE STAL, 


155 


been happier for me the other way. And to think tliat 
it should all have happened as it has.’"’ 

He covered his eyes with his hands and remained si- 
lent. 

“You must not trouble your head about it,” said the 
doctor uneasily. “ You are not uninjured yourself, and 
you must remember that he had a more than even 
chance.” 

“That makes me none the less guilty of his death, 
doctor,” answered Philip softly. “1 am not afraid to 
light, not afraid to sacrifice my own life, but I am a cow- 
ard where my conscience is concerned; I am afraid to look 
my future life in the face, lonely, desolate, branded as it 
will be.” 

“Nonsense!” exclaimed the doctor with some Irusque- 
rie. “You only defended yourself. Hardly that, when 
you only had your left hand for service. If he had not 
been a coward, he would have used his left hand against 
you.” 

“No, you are wrong,” cried Philip quickly. “I in- 
sisted upon the duel. You see I am a terribly poor 
shot, and my hitting him was purely the result of acci- 
dent. My whole life is ruined. I have no hope, nothing 
left which makes life worth living.” 

“What a stupid you are,” exclaimed the doctor, in a 
quizzical manner. “ One would think you were sorry 
that he did not kill you.” 

“I donT know but that I am,” answered Philip, with 
a faint smile. 

“ WelL he was delighted when I told him that he had 
killed you 1” 

Too late the surgeon saw that he had betrayed himself, 
as those who talk too much invariably do. He saw his 
mistake at once, and looked in Philipps bewildered face 
with a comical smile. 

“ You mean ” began Philip, incredulously. 

“Exactly!” answered tlie doctor, interrupting him. 

“But I do not understand.” 

“Of course you donT.” 

“Will you not explain?” 

“ There is nothing to explain. You misunderstood 
me; that is all.” 

“ Then Brownell is not dead?” anxiously. 


15(j 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


He is badly wounded?” 

Hot yery.” 

Doctor, for Heaven's sake, tell me what you mean?” 

‘^^Hothing! Brownell is wounded a little worse than 
3^011 are, and thinks you are dead.” 

Thank God!” 

For what?” 

That he is not dead. I could never have imagined 
the feeling occasioned by taking a human life, until I 
looked it in the face a moment since. Any calamity 
rather than that; any suffering which life may hold for 
me rather than the horror of feeling myself responsible 
for sending an unprepared soul into that awful, uncer- 
tain eternity. 

:ic :)c ^ % 4: 

The Hunchback ” held the boards at the old Fifth 
Avenue, and Stella, the brightest star in the dramatic 
firmament, had already received her enthusiastic greeting 
from a packed and aristocratic audience. 

She was even meeting with unusual success, as forget- 
ful of her own sorrows, she threw her whole soul into the 
grief which disturbed the heart of the fair Julia. 

^^You are even surpassing yourself to-night,” cried 
Kavie, as she entered the star dressing-room,” and em- 
braced her friend. You are superb.” 

^^Bah!” exclaimed Stella, deprecatingly. ^‘^What does 
her poor, little, miserable suffering amount to, when 
compared with the great, overshadowing misery which 
has darkened my life? I would be incapable o:^ bearing 
sorrow, were I incapable of depicting so little. Ho act- 
ress' art, not even a woman's heart, is completed or per- 
fected until it has been rounded by despair.” 

“ But every heart considers its own agony the womt. 
The beauties of nature were made in the beginning, but 
increased by cultivation; so also with the tribulations of 
the soul. It is our -capacity of endurance, the suscepti- 
bility of our natures to receive and understand sorrow, 
which regulates our share. What do you think a weak 
nature would do with a sorrow like mine? Lie down and 
die without an effort to endure the cleansing of spirit 
which a just God had seen fit to send. How much more 
I can bear. Heaven knows, but the weakness inherited 


157 


STELLA, THE STAR. 

from onr first mother will come to the surface at last, 
and I fear I shall give way and break down beneath the 
burden which I am not strong enough to bear. But 
He knows what is best and will forgive me when I fall 
upon my face and cry out from the depths of a soul 
purged of sin by sorrow— ^ oh. Lord, be merciful to me, 
a sinner. 

Xavie spoke with a freedom, a gesture, a grandeur of 
mien, which robbed her words of their simplicity, and 
gave to the pale, starlit face something of the expression 
of a mediaeval prophetess. 

Stella took her by the shoulders, and looked kindly but 
search ingly into her face. 

Be careful, child,” she said slowly. Concealed 
faults strike hardest. Secrets are like a nest of bees; 
they sting hardest when their presence is unsuspected. 
Don^’t cling to a falsehood because you have already told 
one.” 

There are circumstances which sometimes seem to 
force us to measures, for Satan looks after his own. 
After it is once told, the surface of deceit hardens about 
us until it becomes almost impossible to break through. 
The trifling bands which at first bound us become fetters, 
and every hope, every desire, every love, every heart 
would have to be broken to let the leprous spirit through, 
that it may no longer cry, ^ Unclean.^ I pray God for 
courage, but I am faint and weak. I speak enigmatic- 
ally, and as you love me, do not ask me to explain. 
Your acting has affected me to-night, and I am not my- 
self. My error is a thing of the past, but unconfessed. 
You believe me, do you not?” 

Whatever your life has been, your heart is pure, and 
I love you. What am I that I should judge my sister?” 

For one moment the two suffering women were locked 
in a warm embrace, and there were tears in the eyes of 
each as they separated. 

Third act!” cried the call-boy. 

Stella left her dressing-room, and once more the play 
on the stage proceeded. 

Sir Thomas Clifford, the hero of the play, entered, 
lie presented a letter coming from the betrothed husband 
of Julia. The audience was hushed, breathless, as it 
watched the magnificent portrayal of conflicting senti- 


158 


BTELLA, THE BTAE. 


ments presented by Julia's exquisite representative, as she 
recognized in her future husband's servant her former 
lover and her love. 

But a change came over the perfect face, something 
like the hue of death, which spread its dull, green pallor 
even through a coat of rouge^ and rendered a lovely 
woman for an instant almost hideous. 

Not knowing what he was doing, the man who played 
the part of Clifford had brought a genuine letter upon 
the stage, and as she glanced at it she read the words: 

Pendennis and I have met. It is I who live. 

, Brownell." 

Only for one moment the lights seemed to fade, the 
stillness became a horrible pandemonium of sound, the 
harp-strings of the heart were cauglit and twisted into 
unrecognizable shapes by an unrelenting hand, and with 
one mortal burst of anguish the art of the actress tri- 
umphed, and the audience dreamed not of the horrible, 
sickening torture of their favorite, of the face-mask 
which hid a broken heart. 

Had Brownell planned so hideous a revenge? 


CHAPTER XXX. 

is God's judgment sent upon me for a contem- 
plated sin," Stella kept whispering to herself. How 
can I ever endure my life now? His death lies upon my 
conscience, for I am the only cause. Oh, my darling, I 
brought you only sorrow in life, and now I have brought 
you death, I, who would have lived in sackcloth and 
ashes to have spared you one pang even of regret." 

She sat down in her dressing-room, when the play was 
finished, numb, paralyzed, feeling that all joy, all love, 
all hope, all life had left her. She did not weep, she did 
not agonize. A dead calm seemed to have settled over 
her, and not one wave, even of longing, seemed to ruffle 
the undisturbed surface of her cold, set face. 

Galatea, after being deprived of the spirit of life, 
seemed no more marbleized. 

Navie entered and found her. 

She noticed the cold, gray pallor of the debonair face. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 159 

the heavy droop of the svelte, lithe form, and she was 
frightened. 

What is it?^^ she cried, springing forward and catch- 
ing her friend in lier arms. 

Philip is dead.’^ 

The words slipped through her lips as though she, too, 
were dead, and were spoken Avith an emotionless misery 
Avhich startled Navie yet more. 

"'Dead!'" she repeated, vaguely. "I don't- think I un- 
derstand." 

"Dead!" answered Stella, stonily. "I have killed 
him at last." 

" You — have — what do you mean?" 

" For ansAver Stella turned Avearily to her dressing- 
table and took up the cruel note Avhich Brownell had 
penned, and handed it to her friend. 

She sat down in a chair and let her head fall forward 
upon her knees, in the very abandonment of despair. 

" Come," whispered Navie, Avhen slie had read and 
understood the note. " Come, my friend, my more than 
sister, you must not give Avay like this. Perhaps it is 
better so." 

Stella raised her head and smiled. 

Such a smile has sometimes shed its pathetic SAveet- 
ness over a dead face, and tears have sprung to living 
eyes at sight of it which Avould have remained dry and 
unmoved over an expression of torture. 

"GiveAvay!" she repeated, calmly. "If I only could 
give Avay and Aveep until my heart Avas eased of its terrible 
pain. Dear God, it is only the pain here Avliich makes 
me know that I live!" 

She clasped her hands over her heart and crouched 
back in her chair, as if endeaAmring to shrink away from 
herself. 

Navie fell upon her knees and clasped Stella's waist in 
her arms. 

"Let me tell you a secret," she whispered, softly, 
kissing the SAveet, quivering face. "I, too, sorrow for 
him; I grieve with you over his loss, for Philip Penden- 
nis Avas my brother!" 

For one moment there Avas unbroken silence in the 
room, then Stella seized her friend by the shoulders and 
looked her firmly in the eyes. 


IGO 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Your — Avhat?’^ slie asked, incredulously. 

^^My brother,'' answered Navie, softly. He was the 
fortunate child, I, the concealed shadow of liis father’s 
error. My sex, upon which the curse of disobedience 
rests, made of me, and her who bore me, an outcast, while 
the world merely smiled leniently as it gently chided him 
for a fault." 

^^Did he — Philip — know?" 

Never!" 

1 am glad you have told me," said Stella, clasping 
the kneeling girl in her arms. It will be some comfort 
to me to have you near me, to know that you are flesh of 
his flesh. Oh, Navie, I loved him so! He was the breath 
of my soul, the poetry and music of my heart, the power, 
the spirit, the verve of my very life. My nature seemed 
to expand and glow with the very Are of life in his pres- 
ence. I was something above and beyond my ordinary 
self; I seemed to go out of the world and live in a rarified 
atmosphere whose love was the love of angels, whose pas- 
sion contained the essence of purity. 

My one thought was to he his! to throw myself at his 
feet; to fling aside the world; to give myself up body, 
life, and soul into his keeping; and yet mine was not 
unholy desire, hut the craving of my spiritual nature, 
which had recognized its other half, which had been 
destined to complete a perfect whole. But the dry dust 
of death is scattered over him, and my only hope is that 
I may soon be summoned to join him where the only 
marriage is the crown-jewel of paradise — love." 

Stella arose and extended her hand to the still kneel- 
ing girl. 

Come," she said, softly, her face irradiated until it 
seemed that a halo surrounded her perfect head. “Let 
us return to the world which demands hypocrisy, dissim- 
ulation, and deceit. We must not grieve — you for your 
brother, nor I for my hero. My heart may break in si- 
lence, hut my lips must wear a smile, my face a mask. 
AVe must bury our sorrow and resurrect it only in the si- 
lence of the night. Come!" 

They left the little room together, where one of them,; 
at least, was privileged to bind a Cyprus round her head, 
and returned to the palatial sepulclier whose sarcophagus 
bore hieroglyphical inscriptions of fraud and deception, 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


161 


Brownell luicl been brought home and carried to his 
own chamber, and thither Stella went at his request. 

Without a knock, she turned the knob gently and en- 
tered. 

He was awake, and, with heightened color and an anx- 
ious, nervous expression in his steely-gray eyes, awaited 
her coming. 

You have been in no particular haste in visiting your 
wounded husband,^'’ he said sneeringly as she stopped in 
the center of the floor and looked at him interrogatively. 

I came as soon as I knew,^^ she answered coldly. 

You received my note?” 

Stella bowed. 

‘‘'I thought you might be anxious, and sent it at once. 
Uxorious, was it not?” 

Her manner, so emotionless, so freezing, was madden- 
ing to him, and he spoke with stinging sarcasm, but it 
struck the armor of her perfect self-control and glanced 
aside, leaving her apparently unconscious even of its con- 
tact. 

It was like you,” she answered slowly, and a stranger 
would have been undecided as to whether she intended 
it as a compliment to his thoughtfulness or as a dagger 
thrust at liis implacable cruelty. 

I wonder that I do not see you weeping and gnashing 
your teeth.” 

^^The hardest blows strike deepest when they kill, and 
dead hearts make no sound.” 

She spoke in a hard, gelid tone which bore no trace of 
her suppressed suffering. 

^MVell,” he said angrily, ^^what have you decided to 
do in the matter? A divorce from your lover’s slayer is 
the first thing, I suppose, which will suggest itself to your 
plebeian nature.” 

^^Uo,” she answered, taking no notice of his insult, 

I had not thought of it. In fact, now that I do think 
of it, I see no necessity for a separation, for even as we 
are, the North Pole and the Torrid Zone are not more 
widely apart. We may live in the same house forever, 
but there is a line of blood between us which deepens as 
it is approached. You may do as you like. You may 
give me my freedom or you may not do so, in order to 


1G2 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


shield that noble name which you have branded with the 
epithet of murderer/^ 

"‘^You have decided according to the desires of a crav- 
ing nature/' he said as a dark flush covered his face. It 
is not any wish to shield me from the comment of the 
world, but it is the harlequin in your nature which de- 
sires the splendid trifles, the gewgaws of life, with which 
to deck your person and your home." 

Surely you did not send for me for the pleasure of 
insulting me," she replied frigidly. ^^It is too much 
trouble for the pleasure it affords, you, and besides, is no 
novel amusement. If you have finished, I think I shall 
retire." 

^^Go!" he exclaimed savagely. But let me tell you 
before you go that I will find a way to subdue that stub- 
born will of yours or I will — kill you. I hate even more 
than I ever loved you. I forbid you going to that house 
to have any 'farewell looks' or lamentations, and you 
shall pay dearly for it in the event of disobedience." 

She looked at him unflinchingly. 

" I had not thought of it before, but since you sug- 
gest it I will go to see him for the last time when to- 
morrow comes." 

He uttered a horrible oath, but she bowed with studi- 
ous politeness, and left the room. 

She had hardly done so when a knock sounded upon 
the door, and Earlscourt entered. 

" What's up?" he asked, cheerily, as he advanced and 
shook hands cordially. 

" A sprained shoulder," answered Brownell, somewhat 
shortly. 

" A queer thing to put you in bed." 

" Not at all. It is excessively painful." 

"How did you do it?" 

" Endeavoring to preserve a jewel in the guard-ring of 
my honor." 

" I am not a Sphinx, but don't explain unless you 
wish." 

" There is nothing to explain," returned Brownell. 

extraordinary thing," said Earlscourt, 
thoughtfully. ' 

^^What is?'^ 


^TELlA, ^HE STAE. 16^ 

Why this evening, just after the performance, I went 
np to see Phil Pendennis for a moment/^ 

^^Yes,^’ interrogated Brownell, with no apparent in- 
terest. 

By his request, continued Earlscourt, was shown 
to his room, and found him in bed.’^ 

“ You — what?’’ asked Brownell, in consternation, rais- 
ing himself upon his elbow^ notwithstanding the twinges 
of pain in his shoulder. 

‘^Yes,” answered Earlscourt, ^‘he was in bed, and 
said he had a sprained shoulder also. Now, isn’t that an 
odd coincidence?” 

'‘You say you saw him, and he spoke to you?” asked 
Brownell, incredulously. “I — I don’t think I under- 
stand. What are you talking about?” 

“What is the matter with you?” asked Earlscourt, 
surprised at Brownell’s manner. “ Is there anything so 
remarkable in my speaking to him? You are not getting 
delirious, are you?” 

“No, of course not. But tell me, what is the jnatter 
with Pendennis?” 

“A sprained shoulder.” 

“ Nothing else?” 

“Not that I heard.” 

“When did you see him?” 

“I Just this moment came from there.” 

“ It is my confounded luck,” cried Brownell, striking 
his hands together sharply. “ A curse is on my life, but 
I will outwit even the devil himself. If I live he shall 
die, for the world is not large enough to contain us 
both.” 

With what prophetic accuracy we can oftentimes fore- 
tell an event, but the cause and the effect are inclosed in 
that mysterious Godly palm which covers and conceals it. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

“ Mr. Pendennis, your mother is ill, dying, perhaps, 
and is calling for you. Can you come to her?” 

Philip Pendennis’ room liad been entered by his valet, 
who spoke in an excited undertone, quite different from 
his usual well-trained calmness. 


104 


STELLA, THE STAR. 

repeated Philip, in alarm. ^^Give me ' my 
dressing-gown quickly.'" 

But your shoulder!'" weakly expostulated the valet. 

Never mind that. Has Haldane been sent for?"" 

Yes, sir. He and two other physicians are with her 
now. We left you undisturbed as long as possible."" 

Waiting to hear no more, Philip hurried away, sup- 
ported by his devoteil valet, to his mother's presence. 

By her side, as she reclined upon the bed, her white- 
haired husband sat, and the doctors, with grave faces, 
stood about the room. 

One glance at her told Philip all. 

The set, glazed eyes, the drooping mouth, the gray, 
loamy face were their own evidence of the presence of 
death. 

Forgetful of his own pain in this sudden knowledge of 
his great loss, Philip fell upon his knees beside his 
mother and buried his face in the clothes of the bed. 

A smile came over the numbing features as the hand, 
already growing chill, fell lovingly upon the soft hair of 
the bowed head. 

Don't weep; it is better so," she said slowly and with 
a great effort. 

The sound of the voice he had loved so well recalled 
his self-control, and he staggered again to his feet. 

^^Can nothing be done for her?" he asked hoarsely, 
looking appealingly at the doctors. 

^^All that mortal man can do has been done," an- 
swered Haldane solemnly. She has angina pectoris, 
and we have fought it for years, to be beaten at last, as 
you see. It is at all times a most dangerous disease; but 
wlien connected with ossification of the heart, as in this 
instance, the result is almost always fatal." 

^‘It is useless, Philip," murmured his mother gently, 
^^and it is better so. I have that to say to you which 
must be said at once and alone. Will you request them 
all to leave us?" 

Too much overcome to obey, Philip dropped his head 
and sobbed aloud; but his father had heard, and it was 
he who complied with his dying wife's request. 

‘‘Come," he said to the physicians brokenly, “let her 
have her desire. Only God can help her now. Let us 
leave them." 


STELLA, THE STAE, 


165 


He had not loved her very dearly in life, and yet she 
was the companion of his youth and his age, and it was 
hard to part with her now after all the years passed to- 
gether, and it brought that awful heritage of man be- 
fore him with frightful distinctness. 

Mother and son were left alone. 

AVith a terrible effort slie turned her dying eyes upon 
that one whom in life she had loved so well, but had 
wronged so deeply, and the light of a great fear came 
into them whicli almost choked out death itself. 

‘‘Philip, my darling,^^ she said slowly and painfully, 
“listen, and do not moan so. I have much to say, and 
little timQ and less strength. Listen, dearest! The 
wrong I have done you through my senseless, stubborn 
pride has killed me. Do not start! It has preyed upon 
my heart until that heart has become a stone.” 

“You refer to — Stella?” he asked brokenly. 

“ Yes,” she answered, but the word was not more than 
a breath. 

“ Do not speak of it. You did nothing.” 

“Hush! You do not know. You need never know, 
for she is too true, too good ever to tell you; but I could 
not go into the presence of my Maker with that horrible 
falsehood upon my soul.” 

“You mean ” 

“I mean that I spoke falsely. She is a noble woman, 
who sacrificed her love to save its object from what she 
believed to be a threatened disgrace.” 

“I — I do not understand.” 

“ I told her a lie, a hideous, shameful lie. I demanded 
you at her hands, but she scorned me; I pleaded, but she 
was obdurate; then I saw herdisposition, and played upon 
it. Your father was in danger of losing a large sum of 
money. I remembered that, and used it with an addition 
which has cost you bothryour life’s happiness. I told her 
that your Lather had used the bank’s funds, whicli ho 
could not replace, and that unless you married AYinifred 
he must go to the penitentiary.” 

“Mother!” 

The exclamation was only a word, and yet the scorn, 
the horror, the disgust and loathing which the tone con- 
tained could not have been more perfectly expressed in 
volumes. 


168 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


But one look into tlie piteous, pleading, dying eyes was 
enough for the gentle heart of the noble, though suffer- 
ing-warped son, and almost before the word was spoken 
he bent forward and kissed her. 

The relief, the smile of content and happiness, more 
than repaid him for his sacrifice. 

You forgive me?"" she Whispered, 
forgive you,"’ he repeated softly. ^"It is not too 
late to atone to her. Poor girl, i)oor, pure, noble, gen- 
erous Ste'la, how I have made her suffer! but, with God"s 
help, I will cease to tempt her and help her to be the 
angel she has striven so hard to be."" 

‘‘That is like you,"" gasped the dying woman, “my 
dear, dear boy! I feel already as though ages of care and 
sin and fear had been lifted from me. If I only had her 
forgiveness and God"s I could die easily.’" 

“ I will speak for her, but God is here, ask Him your- 
self."" 

He spoke with a reverential solemnity, which was al- 
most awe-inspiring. 

Before she could reply, a terrible spasm of pain seized 
her, and Philip summoned the physician. 

The cold dew of agonizing death broke over her brow, 
and she writhed in the frightful torture of bodily suffer- 
ing. 

What men could do for her relief was done, but it was 
too late. 

AVith the last rallying effort of life, she raised herself, 
and, stretching out her arms to that merciful Father 
whom she saw with spiritual eyes, which were struggling 
to be free, cried: 

“ Dear God, Thou art just! I have suffered, only Thou 
l^nowest how much. Be pitiful!"" 

Before any arni could encircle her to draw her back 
upon her pillow, the soul broke jts bonds, and pended its 
way into the great unknown. 

Early the following morning a woman, somberly but 
richly dressed, her face covered with a heavy veil, paused 
before the door of the mourning-draped mansion. 

“ It is all true,"" she muttered, as the streamers of 
crape fluttered in the breeze, and uttered its own voice- 
less tale of grief. 

She mounted the steps and sought admission. 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


167 


^^Let me see Mrs. Pendcnnis/^ she said, in a voice 
choked with emotion. “ She would wish it/’ she added, 
as the servant paused in an uncertain way. 

The man bowed, and led the way to the chamber of 
death. 

He opened the door, and closed it again, as she passed 
in, leaving her in the darkened room where, upon a bier, 
rested the mortal remains of the woman who had wronged 
her. 

With trembling fingers she loosened her veil, and 
dropped it from before her quivering face. 

She uttered a low, moan, which attracted the attention 
of a young man, who sat with bowed head beside the 
woman whom he had reverenced and loved. 

He recognized the visitor, and rising to his feet, he ex- 
tended his arms in wordless welcome. 

And she saw him standing there before her with the 
mournful smile upon his face, his form draped in a long 
black dressing-gown, and to her fever-distraught brain # 
he had risen from the dead to greet her. 

Philip,^^ she said, in an awe-struck whisper, creeping 
closer to him. Oh, Philip, speak to me!'" 

It was good of you, my darling, to come to me in my 
sorrow. It is what she would have wished." 

There was a deep, melancholy solemnity about his 
voice, and, still misunderstanding, she crept on until she 
put out her hand and touched him. 

Then the knowledge that it was a material being who 
stood before her came to her, and, in the revulsion of 
feeling, a loud, prolonged scream rang through the stilled 
apartment. 

Philip! not dead!" she cried, joyously. ""Oh, thank 
God! thank God!" 

""What was it you thought?" he asked, soothingly, a^ 
he caught her to his breast. 

"" He told me you were dead. Oh, Philip, Philip!" 

She threw her arms about his neck and wept passiom 
ate tears upon his bosom. 

He allowed her to weep, holding her closely, and 
smoothing the bright, pretty hair, from wliich her hat 
had fallen, and she recovered her composure sooner. 

"" Who is it?" she gasped at last, pointing to the wincU 
jngrsheet. 


168 


STELLA, THE STAB. 


lly mother/' he answered, solemnly. She told me 
all, Stella, and her story to you was false. Can you for- 
give her, darling, as I have done?" 

I forgive her, now that you know, Philip." 

^^But can you ever forgive me for what I have made 
you suffer? How you must have despised me." 

Ah, how could I? My heart was too full of love to 
admit of any other feeling." 

I have wronged you, my pure, true love," he cried, 
kissing her face with a holy calm, but over the body 
of her who parted ns, I swear that I will tempt you 
no more. I will help you all in my power to live up to 
that innate purity which has ahvays been your most lov- 
able characteristic." 

He paused and looked at her. 

The light of an awful fear had crossed her perfect face. 

Philip," she whispered, hoarsely, ^Mvhatare you say- 
ing?" 

% Her meaning dawned upon him without further words 
and he covered his eyes with his hand to shut out the 
sight of her suffering. 

'^That I will have strength enough for both," he an- 
swered, with a painful effort. It will cost me my life, 
but oh, my darling, my lost love!" 

The effort was too much for him and he sunk into a 
chair and sobbed aloud; great, heart-breaking, convul- 
sive gasps of agony. 

She knelt by his side and laid her arm around his 
neck. 

We cannot live apart, Philip, you and I," she whis- 
pered, slowly. I see now how more than impossible it 
would be. Philip, I am yours as you are mine. Good- 
bye now, love, our parting is not for long." 

She arose and crossed to the door. She mechanically 
replaced her hat, and with one bursting sigh, she opened 
the door and passed out. 


CHAPTEE XXXII. 

As Stella entered her own home and crossed the hall to 
her boudoir, she was stopped by the sound of a heavy 
voice, calling her name through a half-closed door, 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


169 


Stella! I wish to see 5^011/^ 

She pushed open the door and looked in. 

Upon a couch her husband lay, his long limbs stretched 
out to their fullest extent, his head supported by his hand. 
His clothes were on, but raised from one shoulder by 
bandages, which gave him a peculiarly one-sided appear- 
ance. His eyes were heavy, his breathing thick and 
quick. 

Where have you been?’^ he asked, roughly. 

She smiled serenely. 

Where I have learned to trust my husband’s word,” 
she answered, contemptuously. 

You have been to see Pendennis?” 

Yes!” 

^^How dared you!” he cried, excitedly. 

She continued that mocking smile, without condescend- 
ing to reply. 

Forgetting his wound in his anger, Brownell raised 
himself to a sitting posture. 

Don’t you know that I will kill you?” he exclaimed, 
fuming with rage. 

^^You kill!” 

Hundreds of words could not have expressed more 
scorn than was conveyed in that brief sentence. 

Silence!” he thundered. 

^^Eaoul Brownell,” she said, calmly, I am here by 
your desire, not my own. Heaven knows. Voluntarily I 
would never look upon your mean, false face again. 
AVhile I am here you must treat me Avith respect, or I 
leave. How, what haA^e you to say to me?” 

^'AVho are you that dares to speak to me as though you 
were an empress? A harlequin who has been taught fine 
manners from your mimic life on the stage. From in- 
fancy you nursed from the bottle of deception, hypocrisy, 
and fraud, and it has been so instilled into your nature 
that, together with your inheritance, nothing better 
could be expected. Loa’O blinds the eyes, and you be- 
Avitched me by your cursed beauty into forgetfulness of 
your plebeian origin and miserable profession.” 

I have requested you many times to leave my profes- 
sion out of our discussions,” said Stella, haughtily. 

^^AYhat care I for )^our requests, think you? The 
Avorld called me a fool for marrying you, and I have long 


170 


STELLA, THE STAR. 

ago determined that I deserved the epithet. How does 
society regard you and your kind? If they condescend 
to notice you at all, it is as they would regard a freak of 
nature, or some unusual animal, as a curiosity from that 
world upon which their door is closed to prevent the con^ 
taminating atmosphere from reaching them. 

Stella laughed coldly. 

Your remarks ate too puerile to deserve a reply, she 
said slowly, but I should like to see the record of any 
of your ^ society^ ladies^ lives, even as ours are recorded. 
Our follies would be almost virtues compared with theirs* 
But the nineteenth century mantle of charity, bought with 
gold, is thrown over their heinous sins, and the voice of 
scandal is coughed into silence. Give me the life which 
can stand the light of day, even if it should show imper- 
fections, in preference to that s.ckly, sallow> consump- 
tive thing which exhibits itself only in gaslight, and 
thereby conceals its hideous distortions. Bahl The world 
is welcome to its full knowledge of my sins, and if I must 
bear part of the blame of an erring sister, I am willing. 
Wlmtever we are, we cannot be accused of delusions and 
hypocrisy. I am an actress, and I glory in it.” 

No doubt you expected that to bring you a tremen- 
dous round of applause, but I am in no humor for heroics. 
ISTow cease your acting, and be a woman for once if you 
can.” 

Stella drew herself up proudly and looked at him with 
quiet scorn. 

Sit down!” he exclaimed, ignoring her disdain. 

Thanks, no!” she returned coldly. 

But I have something to say to you.” 
can listen standing.” 

^‘^But I wish you to be seated!” 

"^And I— will not!” 

lie looked at her for one moment, his anger at white 
heat, but controlling his passion, he sank back again 
upon the couch from which he had partially arisen. 

‘MV ell, since you wish it,” he said contemptuously, 
“ stand as if you were my slave, and listen.” 

She bowed calmly in return for his insolence, but did 
not move. 

“There are reasons, apart from any sentiment” — 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


171 


sneering!}’’ — which will tahe me out of the country for 
some time. You understand 
Yes.” 

The word was uttered so listlessly that it thoroughly 
ex crated him. 



will leave the early part of next week,” he announced, 
controlling his anger by a violent etfort. 

Yes?” 

You will be ready to go with me!” 



I donT think I understand.” 

My language is of the plainest Anglo-Saxon,” he re- 
turned, tartly. You go with me!” 

‘‘Is it not just possible that you may be mistaken?” 
she asked, elevating her eyes with some defiance. 

“Not at all.” 

“Think again.” 

“ Speak plainly. Do you mean that you refuse?” 

“ Decidedly.” 

“But^I command you!” 

“That has not the smallest effect.” 

“You dare to thwart me?” he asked, his voice calm 
with rage. 

“ I dare!” she answered, coolly. 

“ But I will force you!” he (yied, savagely. 

“Try it!” she returned, with a short laugh. 

He arose from his seat unsteadily and came toward 


her. 


“ Don’t exasperate me too far!” he exclaimed, hoarsely. 
“I am not ready to kill you yet.” 

She laughed again, in a sweet, musical, thoroughly 
amused way. 

' “ Upon my word, Eaoul, you grow more ridiculous 
everyday. Kill me, indeed! You might have the cour- 
age to telegraph to some female that you had killed me, 
but you would not have the nerve to do it.” 

He uttered a low exclamation of rage and sprung to- 
ward his wife, but she stepped aside and avoided the 
heavy blow which would have fallen upon her face. 

“Coward!” she said, through her set teeth. “If that 
is the evidence of your high birth and social training, 
I thank God that I am a bohemian.” 


172 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


'^Listen to me” he cried, his voice so heavy with 
anger as to render it almost inaudible. I am going to 
leave this country. Why, matters not to you, but you 
go with me. By your will or contrary to your desire, 
makes no difference! Consent to go willingly and all will 
be well; refuse and I shall confine you to your room until 
I obtain your consent, if you starve there. Now, what is 
your answer?” 

No!” 

The word was so firmly spoken that it needed no ad- 
dition to give it strength. 

Remember, then, that I keep my word.” 

Pouf! Do you think I am such a fool as that? Have 
you grown so weak-minded that you can see no difference 
between the present day and the Middle Ages? Your 
house, although almost a palace, has no subterranean pas- 
sages for the confinement of persons who displease your 
lordship. The privileges of our sex are not very ex- 
tended, but we are not bowed down before our masters, 
with their feet upon our necks as formerly. We have 
the strong-minded women to thank for that much at all 
events. My dear, you may do your worst. I am not 
afraid.” 

'^But if I lock you in, what recourse have you?” he 
asked, hotly. 

The windows first,” she answered, serenely. 

You would never dare’ to so publish your disgrace.” 

Oh, yes, I should,” she returned, calmly. You for- 
get that I am an actress. It would give me a capital 
advertisement. To-morrow I should see myself in big 
type, "Stella, the Star, in a New Part;' "A scion of a 
Noble Family is the Heavy Villain.' Do it, Raoul! It 
would be great.” 

Goaded almost to madness, he struck her a blow in the 
chest which sent her staggering across the room with 
awful force. 

""Take that!” he howled. ""It will teach you who is 
master here and who intends to remain so. It is only a 
small sample of what you will get in- case you rebel 
again.” 

Slowly and with painful effort Stella regained her 
equilibrium. 

You have accomplished at last what you began the 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


173 


first (lay of our marriage, that is, to make me thoroughly 
despise and loathe you. All effort to be an honest wife 
is at an end. You have threatened my life, now listen 
to me! Ever dare repeat what you have done to-day, 
and as there is a God above us, I will kill you 

As she uttered the last words she turned toward the 
door, and Aldin, her husband’s valet, stood upon the 
threshold. 

How much he had heard, or how little, she knew not, 
neither did she care. 

She had spoken lightly, foolishly, unthinkingly in her 
anger; it was only an idle threat, and yet 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Stella swept by her husband’s servant as though she 
had been a young queen, and he looked after her in 
blank, bewildered amazement. 

^^The tigress!” exclaimed Brownell under his breath, 
but loud enough for his man to hear. ‘^Slie is fiend 
enough to keep her word if she gets an opportunity.” 

Aldin,” he said aloud, with affected embarrassment, 
^^will you request Mrs. Earlscourt to come to the library 
to see me at once? Then return and assist me there.” 

The servant bowed and departed upon his errand, re- 
turning almost immediately. 

^^Mrs. Earlscourt will be down in a moment, sir,” ho 
announced respectfully. 

^^Is her husband in?” 

No, sir.” 

Give me your arm.” 

Supported by it Brownell descended the stairs slowly, 
the pain in his shoulder giving him considerable trouble, 
but he made no sign as, five minutes later, Xavie entered 
the library. 

She wore a charming loose gown of crimson satin, held 
in place with huge cords of yellow silk, half concealed by 
billows of foamy lace. The open throat and loose, flow- 
ing sleeve completed an exquisite picture as she stood be- 
fore him, the warm tint of her frock throwing a shade of 
color into her pale cheeks and lending additional brill- 
iancy to her handsome eyes. 


171 STELLA, THE STAR. 

'^You wished to see me?” she asked, coldl}’', to conceal 

her nervousness. , 

Yes. You are lovely enough this morning for any 
man to wish to see.” ^ , 

I think compliments may he dispensed with between 
you and me,” slie answered, calmly. 

No,” said Brownell, more to annoy her than from 
feeling, they may not. 1 think, Navie, if I had not 
been egregious fool enough to fall in love with my wife, 
that I should have selected you.” 

What an exceedingly great honor I have missed,” she 
answered, with an almost imperceptible sneer. 

But it did not fail to reach BrownelBs acute perception. 

“ Did it ever strike you, my dear,” he said, slowly, 
with smoldering fire in his steely eyes, that I am 
scarcely a man to anger?” 

have no desire to anger you.” 

Then why speak as you do?” 

"'Of what use,” she asked, with trifling irritation, "Ms 
it to prolong a conversation which is of no interest to 
either of ns, and only creates unpleasant feeling?” 

"" Possibly none.” 

""Then will you allow me to retire?” 

""No.” 

lie smiled tantalizingly, and, with an uncontrollable 
gesture of annoyance, she stood silently before him. 

"" Are you ready to listen to me and to obey me?” he 
asked, calmly. 

"" I am ready to listen!” 

""Ah, you emphasize the word! I think, though, my 
pretty one, you will not hesitate to obey when you know 
that I have no intention of being trifled with.” 

""Speak!” 

Had her life depended upon it, she could not have ar- 
ticulated more than the one word. She clasped her hands 
in dumb, agonized expectation, and remained motionless 
before him. 

He was not slow to perceive, and her suffering pleased 
his brutal fancy. 

"' How pretty you are, with that expression in your 
great eyes,” he said insolently. ""Now, listen. You 
have heard, no doubt, of my duel with Pendennis.” 

""I read your cruel note to your wife.” 


STELLA, THE STa:^, 175 

He smiled grimly. 

Do you also know that lie is not dead?"^ 

My husband told me.^' 

Did you inform my wife?” 

No. I went to her room for the purpose of doing so 
this morning, but she was not there.” 

Do you know where she was?” 

Navie was silent. 

Answer me!” he thundered. 

I will not,” she returned calmly. 

He looked at her critically for a moment, then said: 

Never mind, I know. She told me herself. Now, 
what I wish you to do is this. I expect to leave the country 
the early part of next week, when you will be rid of my 
hateful presence forever. There are reasons, apart from 
jealousy, which render it imperative, that Stella should 
have no words with Pendennis between now and then. I 
furthermore suspect that she may endeavor to avoid going 
with me. I wish you to remain with her every hoiu*. 
Eeport to me every move which she makes and every line 
she writes. I do not wish you to do this out of idle curi- 
osity or jealousy, but there are strong, very strong rea- 
sons for it.” 

He paused and waited for her to speak. 

cannot do it, Mr. Brownell!” she said at last, in 
scarcely an audible voice. 

'‘'It will bring no harm to her,” he said, endeavoring 
to choke his rising anger. ''It is for her good, to save 
her reputation, which she seems bent upon blasting. 
Some day she will thank you.” 

"I repeat that I cannot do it. I cannot play the part 
of Judas and kiss while I betray. I cannot be the deadly 
asp which stings the bosom which warms it.” 

"But I am the one who has sheltered you from harm 
and given you the protection of a husband’s name.” 

"To gratify your own ends, to accomplish your own 
purpose,” she cut in. " Weak fool that I was, not to 
see and understand.” 

" You will not do as I request?” 

"Do not say ' will not,’ I cannot!” 

"What weak sentimentality is this? The first consid- 
eration which the world holds is the first person singular. 
Think of yourself.” 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


1TG 

"'What am I without my honor?"" 

"Your — honor?"" 

The inflection upon the last word could have contained 
no j^reater insult. It brouglit a flush of burning shame 
to the cheeks of the beautiful woman before him. 

" I have requested, now I command,"" he continued, 
sternly. " Eefuse and I "" 

"Will tell my liusband of his wife"s disgraceful past,"" 
interrupted Navie, hoarsely, and with intense pathos. 
" I am at your mercy; I am humbled, a sufferer, and a 
— woman. Do your worst, I am powerless to help my- 
self."" 

" Why will you submit, when you could so easily save 
yourself?"" 

" I cannot add to my guilt an act of treachery."" 

For one moment amazement held him dumb. 

He gazed in wonder at the woman who would dare so 
much for the sake of honor, then determined that come 
what would, he would bend her stubborn will and make 
it subservient to his own. 

" Then I go to make your husband acquainted with 
your honorafie past, which wdll fill his nostrils with the 
odor of sweet spices. Ho, I will grant you the privilege 
of speaking in your own defense, mark my generosity, 
and will tell him in your presence."" 

He arose to touch the bell which would call a servant 
to the room, but, quicker than thought, she snatched a 
dagger from her bosom. 

It was a curiosity which her husband had purchased to 
use as a " property "" in his profession. If he could only 
have foreseen its use. 

" Spare yourself the dishonor and him the disgrace,"" 
she cried, in a quivering, agonized voice, as she drew the 
dagger back to make the fatal plunge. 

An instant later her crimson robe would have been 
stained to a darker hue, but catching her hand as it de- 
scended, he wrested the dagger from her grasp, and 
dropped it at his feet. 

"Kash woman!"" he cried, surprised beyond measure at 
her mad act. " What would you do?"" 

" What you knew I would do if you persisted, in your 
hideous design,"" she exclaimed wildly. 

" But I will prevent you."" 


STELLA, THE STAB. 


177 


^^Yoii cannot! With my own hands I would strangle 
hach the breath which is a pollution and tear out the 
heart which is the foul shrine of his worship/^ 

You speak irrationally and distractedly/^ 

“But the truth I’"* she interrupted firmly, bending 
fiercely toward him. “ If you do not wish to be my 
murderer, tempt me no further/’ 

Brownell laughed scornfully. 

“What care I for your death, think you?” 

^^^vTothing, oh, nothing! Why sliould you care for me? 
But he is different. Think of him!” she cried pleadingly. 
“ You are human, you have loved. Pity him! Oh, dear 
God, what he will suffer! See, I am on my knees to you, 
pleading for what is more than my life, my husband’s 
love. Grant me this one thing. It is so little to you, 
such a very little thing, but so much to me. Ten thou- 
sand times more than life. Promise me that you will 
not do it.” 

“ If you will consent to do as I say. You will?” 

“ I cannot,” she gasj)ed. “ He would hate me even 
worse.” 

“That is your final answer?” 

“It must be! Oh, have mercy!” 

“You will not think again?” 

“I cannot. Pity, pity, I implore you!” 

“ It is enough!” 

He raised his hand to strike the bell. 

“Have you no compassion?” she cried frantically. 

“None! none!” 

A second more and his hand would have de- 
scended upon the bell, but with the quick plunge of a 
pantheress she seized the dagger from the fioor, and with 
a power lent by maniacal fury, she buried it to the hilt 
in his breast. 

“Take that, tyrant!” she cried in a sharp, quivering 
voice. 

Without one word, without a groan, he threw up his 
hands and fell backward — dead ! 

The reeking dagger fell from her hand, and still the 
hand raised poised in mid-air, her face more set and mo- 
tionless than the face of the dead. 

Then a laugh— wild, mirthless, frightful— burst from 


178 BTELLA, THE STAR. 

her ghastly lips, and in a hideous, cracked, rasping voice, 
she shrieked out: 

Murderess!’^ 

She turned at the sound of her own voice, and bit at 
the hand which involuntarily approached her mouth. 
Then her eyes wandered back to the prostrate form of 
him who one moment before had been a man. 

*^Now rise, ye demons of the lower world, she cried, 
with terrible mirth. “ ^Tis a murderess calls you. She 
who has signed in blood the compact which makes her 
yours forever. Kise, and shriek aloud as I do; the mur- 
deress is your own. Come, now, my husband, you who 
have loved and trusted, and learn what she is who has 
deceived you. Ha! it comes! That gliding, red thing 
that makes its way from the hideous hole which my hand 
planted in his breast. It will surround and ingulf me. 
It has become myriad-throated, and screams aloud, ‘ Mur- 
deress! Accursed!^ I will escape ye. I have had my 
banquet of blood, and I defy you 

She caught up her skirts and turned and fled. Fled 
from the chamber where she had lost her last chance of 
happiness, if not of life eternal! 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 

The awful scene had had a dumb, horrified, benumbed 
witness. 

Sitting among her exquisite flowers, endeavoring to 
draw some map of her future action, was Stella. 

For some time she remained unconscious of the conver- 
sation which was taking place in the room adjoining her 
conservatory. The parties were immediately before her 
eyes, requiring no move of her head to see their every 
motion, and yet she saw them as in a dream. 

As the altercation grew louder, her attention was drawn, 
and, unthinkingly, at first, she listened; then, becoming 
petrified with surprise, she was unable to speak, 

As that fatal blow was struck, she staggered to her feet 
in wildest amazement, then dropped back in her seat 
again, overcome with the horror of the situation. 

Utterly powerless, nerveless, motionless, she sat, her 
eyes staring, her face pale unto ghastliness. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


179 


She was aroused from her stupor by the violent closing 
of the library door. 

With a long, quivering sigh she arose again, and, mov- 
ing almost involuntarily, she crossed the room and ap- 
proached the body of the fallen man. 

She knelt beside him, taking no notice of how her dark 
dress was becoming saturated with his life-blood. She 
placed her pretty white hands above his heart and drew 
them away, dripping with the crimson tide. 

Poor Raoul she cried, with a convulsive shudder. 

It is all rny fault— all. As surely as if I had struck the 
blow I am his murderess!” 

The last words came from her pale, set lips with a wail 
which resembled the moan of a winter wind as it sighs 
in contrition over the sins of those who have not the 
grace to weep for themselves. One is the cry of the 
human soul — the other the voice of God which speaks on 
earth. 

And in the midst of her self-accusation, denunciation, 
and despair the door opened to admit her maid, 
Clochette. 

Instantly the situation dawned upon her, and, with a 
shrill scream of terror, she flew across the room to the 
side of her mistress. 

The cry aroused the entire household, and servants 
began to pour upon the scene. 

In the center of the room stood Clochette supporting 
her half-fainting mistress. Blockading the doorway and 
crowding into the blood-stained room were the terror- 
stricken servants; and so Earlscourt found them when 
he entered the front door a moment later. 

^MVhat has happened?” he asked one of the number 
in alarm. 

‘^Mr. Brownell!” gasped one of them. 

What of him?” 

^^Dead!” 

^^Dead!” he repeated, in amazement, pushing his way 
through them into the room. 

He caught sight of Stella as she stood shrinking and 
trembling before them all, and the light of an awful fear 
came into his eyes. 

But he quickly banished the appearance of any accusa- 


180 STELLA, THE STAR. 

tion against her even if the terrible doubt still re- 
mained. 

"‘You here?’^ he asked, almost tenderly, as he drew her 
hand protectingly through his arm. “You should not 
witness such a sight as tliat. It is bad enough for men. 
“Come with me.^^ 

Without resistance, and in silence, she allowed him to 
lead her from the room. 

“ Some of you inform the authorities. Aldin, you 
take charge and direct them what to do,^^ he said, under 
his breath, as he passed the throng of huddled, fright- 
ened servants. 

Almost carrying her, he led Stella to her own room. 

Once there, the thought of him, her early friend, and 
the suffering this horrible thing would occasion him, if 
it were ever known, struck Stella almost like a blow. 

“ Ted,^^ she cried, putting her arms around his neck, 
all stained as they were with blood, and shivering from 
head to foot, “oh, Ted, my more than brother, how 
sorry I am!^^ 

The simple words were spoken with such deep grief, 
that he, misunderstanding their import, took her in his 
arms and pressed her lovingly to his breast, while quick, 
blinding tears sprung to his eyes. 

“ It can make no difference in my love and esteem,^^ 
he answered, sadly, kissing her tenderly. “ Nothing 
upon earth could ever do that.” 

“I am glad, very glad, my noble, generous friend!” 
she cried, earnestly. 

So earnestly, that again he was deceived. 

“ Go to her,” she whispered^ timidly. “ I should like 
to be alone. Be more kind, more gentle than you have 
ever been. Do not conceal your love. Bear with her 
nervous dreads, for, oh, Ted, we women have such griefs 
to endure!” 

“I know, dear,” he replied, tenderly, again misunder- 
standing her meaning. 

lie pressed her hands affectionately and left at her de- 
sire. Left her, and returned to the wife he deemed so 
pure, so true, whom he had left with his kisses warm 
upon her lips not an hour before. 

He found her crouched in a chair, her teeth chatter- 
ing, her eyes wildly bright. 


181 


STELLA, THE STAR, 

You nave heard he asked, advancing and taking 
her in his arms. 

She nodded, utterly unable to find voice for any other 
reply. 

Poor Stella!” he murmured, brokenly. 

She shuddered violently. 

You should go to her.” 
cannot.” 

The words were sfoken quickly and in a short gasp, as 
those which come last from the dying, but it loosened 
the cord which tied her tongue, and she cried aloud: 

The shame, the grief, the despair would kill me!” 

^^Do not say so,” he exclaimed chidingly. ^‘For, 
next to you, I love her.” 

‘MYhat do you say?” said Navie, falling on her knees 
before him, and clasping his hand in both her own. 

You love me, love me?” 

Why, darling, this has upset you strangely. Do you 
doubt my love?” 

^‘^But you love me still, still love me,” she repeated 
hoarsely. Say but that stilly still you love me, and I 
will bless the cursed fate which surrounds us.” 

^^You speak incoherently, my dearest,” he answered 
soothingly. ^‘1 love you still, as I have always, shall 
always love you. You are my own, my love, my wife.” 

With a startling cry she sprung to her feet and threw 
her arms around his neck. 

Thank God for that!” she exclaimed with deepest 
gratitude. I fear nothing now.” 

You will go to Stella now, my darling, will you not? 
It is unkind for us to leave her alone.” 
will go.” 

She kissed him lingeringly, passionately many times, 
and he returned to the library. ^ 

For some minutes she stood where he had left her, her 
hands clasped over her aching heart. 

"" He does not know,” she whispered to herself. He 
does not guess my hideous ' guilt. Why need he ever 
know? I will hide it, hide it until the wrath of God 
finds me out, and strips me of happiness, of honor, and 
of love. But I Avill have his love while I may. I must 
go to her— his wifo— now. Oh, courage, courage!” 


182 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Supporting her fainting spirit as best she could, she 
souglit the room of the woman who had been lier friend. 

Stella sat with bowed liead, and did not hear her en- 
trance until ^Navie stood beside and touched her. 

Then she looked up, and the two women regarded each 
other in silence for one moment. 

hTavie was the first to speak, and the tone was so low, 
so hushed, that it scarcely reached Stella, notwithstand- 
ing her proximity. ** 

‘‘Your husband is dead!’^ she said simply. 

“He is deadT’ repeated Stella mechanically. 

There was no life, no warmth, no feeling in the tone, 
and yet it was sadder far than tears. 

“llow can I — tell you — of my sorrow gasped Navie, 
scarcely able to speak. 

“ There is no need, I know.'’^ 

“ Do you also know— that I love you? You who have 
been so gentle and kind to me. Do you not know that I 
•would lay down my life for }ou?^^ 

There was a brief pause, then Stella answered, with 
emotion: 

“ Yes, I know.” 

“Stella, darling friend, do you regret that — he is — no 
more?” 

There was quivering earnestness in the voice which 
told that it came from the soul. 

“Kegret is not the word,” answered Stella, in a pa- 
thetic monotone. “ If my life could recall his, I would 
give it freely, gladly. ” 

“And yet you did not love him!” 

“I did not.” 

“ Then wliy ” 

“ At a time like this we forget the attributes of selfish- 
ness in our own natures, and remember those who must live 
and — suffer. Dear God, how impotent is the word to 
express the consequences of thy wrath.” 

Navie shuddered. 

“Do you know — do you suspect who has — committed 
— the awful act?” 

Stella arose and. stood before her, almost majestic in 
her wonderful beauty and sympathy. 

^^It would have been so much better,” she said slowly^ 


STt:LLA, THE ST An. 




you had only trusted me in the beginning. Do not 
endeavor to deceive me now.” 

A green haze seemed to creep slowly over Navie^s face, 
a wild, hunted look came into her eyes, her lips were 
covered with a foamy white, like those of a person in 
a fit. 

You know ” she began, but could get no furtJier, 

“1 saw all!” answered Stella solemnly. 

With a moan of anguish Navie threw up her hands and 
fell upon the floor, crouching and groveling in her terri- 
ble agony. 

Lost! Lost!” she cried out to her own soul in a voice 
vibrating with terror and despair. 

answered Stella, raising her in her strong young 
arms, '‘you are not lost. Calm yourself, Navie, your 
life and your husband’s happiness depends upon it.” 

The poor girl strove with all her might to suppress the 
awful, tearless sobs which arose in her throat and almost 
suffocated her. 

" Calm yourself, and tell me all,” continued Stella, 
with tender compassion. 

"You do not despise me?” 

" I pity and love you.” 

" God bless you for those words. Oh, Stella, if you 
only knew what agonies I have endured because of him! 
But J never thought of this. So help me, God! the 
temptation never even entered my brain. I meant to kill 
myself, but never him, never! never! It came to me 
with a sudden rush of feeling and, without a thought, I 
did it. Y’ou will not betray me? Oh, for the love of 
God, swear it!” 

" I do swear! Whatever comes, my lips shall be sealed. 
I will not speak!” 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

" AYhile Navie was telling Stella the secret of her un- 
happy life, the scene down-stairs was utter confusion. 

The coroner had arrived, and after making a thorough 
examination of the room, the situation of the body and 
all the legal detail 6f the unfortunate case, he gave a 
permit for the removal of the body and its proper 
preparation for the grave. 


1S4 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


Then lie impaneled a jury, and, after having sworn 
them in and appointed the following morning for the in- 
quest, he turned to Earlscourt. 

It seems a most extraordinary case,"’ he said, thought- 
fully. ^'Nothing in the room is disturbed. It could 
not have been robbery at this hour in the morning. 
What is this?'" 

From under a heavy desk a slight portion of the han- 
dle of the weapon, with which the wound had been in- 
flicted, protruded. He picked it up. 

^ ** Did you ever see that before?"" he asked. 

But Earlscourt had grown livid, and it was with strange 
hesitation that lie answered: 

The dagger is mine."" 

Yours? IIow came it here?"" 

I cannot tell."" 

You mean you will not?"" 

No. I do not know."" 

The coroner looked at him critically, and answered, 
slowly: 

Think before to-morrow. I am interested in the case. 
I knew Brownell well, and have met his charming wife. 
This looks badly for some member of the household. I 
cannot advise you because of my official capacity, but I 
think you will know what to do."" 

He bowed and left the house, after having placed the 
dagger in safe keeping. 

‘"Aldin,"" exclaimed Earlscourt, when he was again 
alone with the servants, ‘^come with me."" 

The valet followed him to an ante-room, and Earls- 
court opened the conversation. 

You were with your master, were you not, just before 
his death?’" 

Yes, sir."" 

Where?"" 

In his room. I assisted him to the library,"^ 

‘^How long before he — was killed?"" 

''About ten minutes, perhaps a little longer."" 

" Was any one in the library with him?"" 

" No, sir — but he was — expecting some one."" 

“Who?” 

" Your wife."" 

" What!"" 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


185 


Earlsconrt staggered, and became ghastly. 

He sent me,^^ said the servant, to her room, to ask 
her to come to him.^^ 

‘^And she went?” asked Earlsconrt, in a trembling 
voice. 

‘‘ I think not, sir. She sent word that she would be 
down in a few minutes. I did not see her go.” 

Did you see any one else enter the room?” 

'^No, sir.” 

^^Who discovered the murder?” 

Clochette.” 

Send her to me.” ^ 

Aid in turned to obey, but when he reached the door 
he hesitated and finally came back. 

^MVell?” asked Earlsconrt. 

There is something, sir, which I would like to speak 
of, and, knowing you to be her friend, perhaps it had 
better be to you.” 

AVhat is it?” said Earlsconrt, in a troubled voice. 

^^Why you see, sir, this morning Mr. Brownell sent 
me to his wife^s room to ask her to come to him. She 
had gonejDut and he was in a terrible rage. Then she 
came in and they had an awful quarrel.” 

Tlie servant paused. 

Well?” said Earlsconrt, knowing he had not yet heard 
the worst. 

She — she threatened his life,” answered the servant, 
in a low tone. 

Great heavens!” exclaimed Earlsconrt. You heard 

it?” 

I heard her say, in a voice which shook with anger, 

^ As there is a God above us, I will kill you!” 

From horror Earlsconrt was silent. 

With dilated eyes and gasping breath he looked for a 
moment at the servant, then the exigencies of the situa- 
tiom returned to him and brought him self-control. 

^‘^You are sure,” he asked, slowly, ‘Hhat you are not 
mistaken?” 

Perfectly sure!” 

^MFas there anything else?” 

Nothing!” 

^^Of course,” said Earlsconrt, impressively, Mrs. 
Brownell is not guilty even of any design to injure her husr 


186 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


band, that goes without saying. Her words were uttered 
in the heat of passion and were meaningless. But they 
might, in a distrustful mind, create suspicion against her, 
which would be unpleasant, however innocent she is. 
Therefore it will be as well for you not to speak of 
that.^^ 

I certainly shall not, sir. I told you because I thought 
it best, but I like Mrs. Brownell and would do nothing to 
injure her.” 

That is well. You may go nowand send Clochette to 
me.” 

^‘Yes, sir.4 

Aldin retired, and a moment later the door opened to 
admit Clochette. 

She stood before her mistress^ friend and guest with 
pale, tear-stained face and drooping eyes, her hands 
clasped tightly before her. 

^‘Clochette,” he said kindly, ^‘'they tell me that you 
were the one to give the alarm when you found that your 
master had been murdered?” 

Yes, sir.” 

The answer was almost inaudible, but it reached him. 

You went to the library?” 

Yes, sir.” 

What for?” 

‘‘I was going through into the conservatory,” 

^‘For flowers?” 

'^No, sir.” 

^^Then what? Do not be afraid.” 

I saw my mistress go there, and I had a message for 
her from one of the servants.” 

Was she in the conservatory when you went to see 
her?” 

^^No, sir.” 

Where then?” 

In the library.” 

Earlscourt paused and shivered. 

What was she doing? Mind, I am not asking from 
curiosity, but from a desire to shield your mistress from 
unpleasant comment.” 

“ She was — kneeling beside her husband,” 

^^Did she say anything?” 

Clochette burst into tears. 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


187 


Mr. Etirlscoiirt, it was so awful, so horrible! 
Madame^s beautiful hands were all stained with blood, and 
her dress was saturated with it. She looked like a ghost 
with her pale face and her purple eyes black as night,^' 
she sobbed. And her voice was frightful as she cried 
out, ‘I am his murderess.^ 

Earlscourt sat down in a chair as if he had suddenly 
lost all control of himself. 

There was a web around her from which it seemed im- 
possible to extricate her. The hideousness of her situa- 
tion struck him with dumb despair. 

He bowed his head upon his hands, and for a moment 
gave way to his terrible fears. Then he raised his head 
again and tried with a mighty effort to be calm. 

Do any of the other servants know anything of this?"^ 
he asked, unsteadily. 

No, sir. They all saw her there and saw her dread- 
ful appearance, but they did not hear her words.^^ 

Can I trust you to keep them to yourself 
You may, sir. My mistress has always been good to 
me, and I will shield her if I can.^’ 

‘"I am glad to see that you appreciate her kindness. 
That is all?^' 

Yes, sir.^^ 

Be sure to say nothing whatever to any of your as- 
sociates. I may want you at any time. Don’t go out, 
but attend carefully to your mistress'* wants. That will 
do.^^ 

Clochette dried her eyes, and returned to her fellow- 
servants. 

Earlscourt paced the floor in greatest excitement. 

What is to be done?” he asked of himself over and 
over again. “ This cannot be concealed at the inquest. 
Enough of the odious truth will come out to hold her, 
then those confounded lawyers will find out all. Great 
God, what can have made her do such a horrible thing? 
If I only had some one to consult to help me; but Pen- 
dennis’ mother is dead, and he is the only one whom I 
would dare to trust. I must go, have the theater closed 
for to-night, then I think I will see Pendennis anyway.” 

He took his hat and left the house, telling one of the 
servants that he was going on business and would re- 
turn. 


188 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


He went first to the theater, saw the manager, and told 
him something of the tragedy, then decided upon seeing 
Pendennis at once. 

Tell Mr. Pendennis, he said, to the servant who an- 
swered his summons, ‘Hhat 1 would not disturb him at 
such a time, were it not of the greatest importance.'’^ 
lie was shown into Philip’s private reception-room, 
and had not long to wait before his friend joined him. 

^‘1 don’t know how to apologize to you for coming to- 
day,” said Earlscourt, grasping Philip’s hand heartily, 
but it was a matter of almost necessity. You need not 
be told of how I sympathize with you in your soi’row.” 
^‘It was a terrible blow,” answered Philip, sadly. 

And so unexpected,” said Earlscourt, dreading to ap- 
proach the subject uppermost in his mind. 

Yes, very,” answered Philip. 

Earlscourt paused uneasily. 

I have — come to consult you to-day upon a subject 
of frightful import. How can I tell you? I could not, 
did I not know of your deep interest.” 

Go on,” said Pendennis, earnestly. 

Brownell is dead!” 

Dead!” cried Philip, springing ta his feet in horror. 
‘MVhen? How?” 

A few hours ago, and — murdered.” 

“ Good God!” ejaculated Pendennis, his face becoming 
overcast with a terrible, undefined fear. 

Stabbed through the heart,” continued Earlscourt, 
solemnly. 

“By whom?” asked Philip, his voice sinking to a whis- 
per. 

The expression upon Earlscourt’s face told him all, 
that liis fears were only too true, and he put out his hand 
to check the utterance of it. 

“ Don’t say it,” he gasped, hoarsely. God of heaven! 
it is too awful. She must be saved, if it costs my life, 
poor, unfortunate, suffering girl.” 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 

A siLEi^CE fell upon the two men, which lasted for 
some time, and it was at last broken by Earlscourt. 

What is done must be done at once,” he said, un- 


STELLA, THE STAE, 


189 


steadily. The inquest takes place to-morrow, and there 
is no time to be lost.” 

Are the proofs strong?” 

^^Irrefutable.” 

Pendennis^ face turned even paler than before, and his 
Voice shook with his terrible emotion. 

“ What are they?” 

Earlscourt told him, in as few words as possible, what 
Aldin and Clochette had overheard. 

Prepared as Pendennis was, it was a terrible blow to 
him. 

am the blameable one/^ he cried, in a quivering 
voice. Poor, miserable girl, I am the real culprit, for 
it was I who brought her every wretched thought of 
wrong which has entered her pure brain.” 

What are we to do?” asked Earlscourt, anxious tore- 
move his mind from that subject. 

‘^Let me think. Could we not, by paying Aldin and 
Clochette a large sum of money, send them from the 
country?” v 

It would condemn her at once. The other servants < 
saw too much.” 

^^Then what is to be done? Great God, I had rather 
see my poor girl dead than accused of that horrible crime! 
Can you think of nothing?” 

Yes,” said Earlscourt, after some thought, ^^I seethe 
faint outline of a plan, but I cannot see how it is to be 
executed.” 

What is it?” 

She must leave the country.” 

Stella?” 

^^Yes.” 

^^You are right,” cried Pendennis, after a moments 
hesitation; that is best.” 

But, how is it to be managed?” 

I will take her.” 

^^You?” 

(f I ” 

But your — mother?” 

^^My mother, could she speak, would tell me to go. I 
must save the living, the wronged one. There are others 
who can look after the dead.” 


loo STELLA, i'HE STAE. 

But you forget how you will compromise her in other 
ways/^ 

“ I will do nothing of the kind. 8he shall have the 
protection of my name.’’ 

You mean you will marry her?” 

'' As soon as that is possible, and in the meantime she 
shall have the advantage of a chaperon.” 

You will marry her with this stain upon her? You 
will take her to your bosom, with a life between you?” 

would love her were she a thousand times more 
guilty than she is, but loving her or not, I would marry 
her just the same. I am no more guiltless than she, even 
if I am innocently so.” 

“You are a noble man, Pendennis,” cried Earlscourt, 
clasping his hand, warmly. “ I could wish no better 
fate for her than a life linked with yours. When will 
you go? The sooner the better.” 

“ To-night' we had better get out of the country. We 
can leave for Canada, and sail from tlrere, somewhere. 
You can arrange matters at the theater, and her other 
^business affairs.” 

“I will attend to all. Will you see her?” 

“ Yes. I will go with you now.” 

He touched a bell, and ordered a close carriage. To- 
gether they were driven to that awful, crime-stricken 
home. 

You had better go to her boudoir without announce- 
ment,” said Earlscourt, as he opened the door with a 
latch-key. “Let the. servants think, if they see you, 
that you are simply with me.” 

They mounted the stairs together, and Pendennis 
crossed the hall and tapped lightly upon the door which 
Earlscourt indicated to him. 

“ Come in/’ answered the sweet voice which he knew 
so well. 

With a rush of feeling, which almost overcame him, 
he opened the door and stood before her. 

^he had removed the blood stains from her hands and 
face, and replaced her dark dress with a wrapper of pure 
white cashmere, trimmed in bands of short-curled os- 
trich plum-ts. 

There never was a sweeter, purer picture, even of an 
angel in heaven, than she presented, as she stood in the 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


191 


center of the exquisite room, in her flowing draperies, the 
sun coming through one of the open windows and resting 
upon her head, in token of the protection of that Master 
Hand, which rests with such loving kindness upon the 
widow and orphan. 

She started back in surprise as she saw who stood be- 
fore lier. 

He extended both his arms in silence. She took a step 
forward, with a#glad, happy smile upon her perfect lips, 
then stopped short. 

Not yet, Pliilip,” she said, gently. ^^Let ns respect 
the dead. AVe have many long years of bliss before us, 
and can afford to wait yet a little while. You have 
heard, have you not?’^ 

He looked at her. almost in amazement. There was 
sorrow and regret in her tone, but none of that bitter re- 
pentance, that terrible remorse which he had antici- 
pated. 

I have heard he answered, solemnly, dropping his 
arms at his side. 

Philip, I feel so guilty!^' 

That was what he had expected, and it was almost a 
relief to hear it, though the tone was lighter than he 
would have desired. 

He went forward and took her hand gently, then he 
drew her down beside him upon a small divan. 

You know how sorry I am for you, Stella; you know 
my love is as immovable as the stars. Now tell me 
everything, dear.^^ 

There is nothing to tell,’^ she answered wearily, 
pushing back tlie bright hair from her forehead. ‘‘ If it 
would part us forever, Philip, I would call him back if I 
could. The first sight of you brought all my guilty love 
back with a mighty rush; but in niy calmer moments, 
when I know that I caused his death — oh, Philip, it is al- 
most unbearable! AVhat shall I do?’^ 

‘^DonT grieve so, dear,^^ he said, gently stroking her 
hair, upon which the golden sun was still shining. It 
is done, and cannot be recalled. AVhat we must think of 
110 w — and there is not a moment to lose — is how best to 
avoid the consequences of it.^^ 

Yes,^^ said Stella, in a puzzled way. 

Harlscourt and I have been talking it over,” 


193 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


Poor, dear Ted!^'’ 

lie is a noble man and a true friend. He and I 
have decided that it will be better for you to leave to- 
night. 

she asked, looking at him in surprise, 
will go with you.’^ 

Where?^" 

^^To Canada. 

^‘Whatfor?’^ ^ 

There was genuine query in her voice, and he was 
amazed at her want of comprehension. 

You cannot stay here,^^ he answered earnestly. 

‘MVhyr 

Her voice was beginning to show some alarm. 

Why, how could you? Do you not know that some 
of the servants know all about — this?’^ 

They do?"^ she asked, turning pale and drawing 
away from him. Who told you?” 

Earlscourt.” 

^^He knows, then? Oh, Heaven!” 

Why, child, of course he knows, and Aldin and Olo- 
chette also.” 

‘Hlowdid they find out? Oh, lam so sorry, so sorry!” 
she cried, tears coming to her eyes. 

How find out!” he repeated. ^'They saAV you and 
heard your words.” 

Saw me! Heard my words! I dohT understand.” 

He looked at her again in some amazement. 

^^They entered the library,” he explained hesitatingly, 
^'and saw you kneeling over his prostrate form, and 
heard your words addressed to him.” 

‘‘Well, what of that?” 

“What of it! Why, it told them all.” 

“All what?” 

“Stella, why will you force me to utter those hateful 
words? It told them all the terrible truth.” 

“ Philip, for Heaven^s sake, tell me what you are talk- 
ing about? How could any word or act of mine tell them 
the horrible story of this murder?” 

“You said, ‘I am his murderess,^” he repeated sol- 
emnly. “AVas it not enough?” 

For a single second she scared at him in open-mouthed 
^vender, then she arose majestically and stood before him, 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


19a 


Philip Pendennis,” she said slowly, ^^do you believe 
that I committed this murder?'’^ 

“ What else is there for me to believe?^’ 

Great God r 

There was stupefied astonishment, horror and despair 
blended in the tone, and Stella staggered and caught at 
a chair for support. 

^‘AVhat do you mean?^^ cried Philip in hope, fear and 
great anxiety. 

“ Nothing!” she answered coldly and in her most stately 
manner. I have no denial to make. 1 would scorn to 
clear myself of such an accusation.” 

^^But your own words, Stella ” 

Were you so eager to believe that 3^011 must needs 
treasure up a servants words?” 

^^Oh, dearest!” he cried eagerly, ^^tell me if you can 
in truth that you are not guilty! If you knew the tort- 
ures I have endured, you would pity me. Speak but the 
words, I will believe.” 

will not speak them!” she answered haughtily. ^‘1 
have nothing whatever to say.” 

‘^Do not blame me, Stella; pity me. Earlscourt came 
to me and told me. What was I to believe? There is a 
terrible network around you, my darling. Unless you 
can prove your innocence, or will fly with me, you are 
lost.” 

Going back over the scene in her mind, Stella remem- 
bered all, and she no longer wondered at his doubt or 
Earlscourt^s surmise. 

You know who did this thing?” he asked earnestly. 

Yes, I know.” 

^^Then you can save yourself. Thank Heaven for 
that.” 

‘^1 cannot save myself,” she answered sadly. 

Cannot! What do you mean?” he asked anxiously. 

^^That I cannot— will not speak. I am innocent of 
this fearful charge, but I am bound by an oath which I 
cannot break.” 

‘^But your reputation, perhaps your liberty, depend 
upon it.” 

If my life were at stake my lips should remain dumb. 
Come what will, I shall not break my word. To you I 
swear it, as I have already sworn.” 


194 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


CHAPTEK XXXVIL 

What are you thinking of?'" cried Pendennis in con- 
sternation. 

My pledged word." 

Do you know that you will ruin yourself? 

I cannot help it, and even if I do, I carry none with 
me. I shall be alone in my disgrace." 

^'Do you willfully forget me? Do I count for noth- 
ing?" 

“ I do not forget you, hut my ignominy cannot reflect 
upon you." 

‘^It will when you are my wife. If you had been 
guilty of this crime I would have taken you to my bosom 
and shielded you from the scorn of the world. I would 
have tried, with the greatness of my love, to make you 
forget your isolation and your remorse. But, innocent, 
I forbid you to bear the burden of another's guilt. It is 
a quixotic notion of honor which you have taken into 
your head, but it is a most erring one. 1 command you 
to speak !" 

He spoke firmly, but with loving kindness, and there 
was no resentment in her tone as she answered: 

I will not!" 

But you promised to be my wife." 

I have not declined to keep my word." 

^^Can you do it, think you, with this charge against 
yon ?*' 

Even to be your wife, which is the only happiness 
earth holds for me, I would not betray the person who 
committed that crime." 

Then you will have to leave the country with me to- 
night, and remain away until your fame is cleared," said 
Pendennis, after a moment of deep thought. 

‘‘That I will not do either," answered Stella, firmly. 
“ I will not weigh you down with an incumbrance of that 
kind. I shall remain here. 1 shall continue my work 
the same as I have done, and if I am arrested I shall 
stand my trial. Justice is in the hands of God! I have 
committed sin enough of my own without being punished 
for that of another. Do not try to alter my determina- 
tion, Philip, for I should resist forever," 


195 


STELLA, THE STAH. 

Admiration of the noble nature of the woman who 
could so sacrifice herself had crept slowly into Philipps 
fine eyes, and as she ceased speaking he clasped her closely 
in his arm and drew her to his breast. 

You are misguided, but none the less a treasure,^’’ he 
said, tenderly. “I thank Heaven for your noble generos- 
ity. I must think of some other means of saving you.^^ 

‘^Ho not try to find the real culprit, Philip, I beseech 
you. Shield me if you can, keep them from suspecting 
me of so horrible a crime, but protect the malefactor, for 
my sake.^^ 

Is it some one you love, then?” 

^^Yes, very dearly. You would also, if you only 
knew.” 

You puzzle me more than I can say. You will not 
trust me?” 

I cannot.” 

Philip sighed and kissed her gently. 

I must go now. Go to think of some way to save 
you from yourself. Good-bye.” 

He kissed her again with warmth and tenderness, and 
left her. 

She is innocent,” he said, half an hour later, to 
Earlscourt. Do not shake yonr head in disbelief. You 
could never look into her clear eyes and doubt. If ever 
blamelessness and childlike truth was stamped upon a 
countenance it is hers. It is a most extraordinary case.” 

What are we to dox^” 

^^I cannot tell; wait until we know the developments 
at the inquest, I presume.” 

But suppose they find sufficient cause to hold her?” 

Philip gnawed the end of his mustache for a moment 
in silence. 

It is all that we can do,” he said, at last. She 
will consent to nothing. She thinks that because she 
knows she is innocent every one else must believe it.” 

sH ***** * 

The inquest was over, in part, and to be continued the 
day following. 

Aid in and Olochette had been guarded in their an- 
swers to the questions jiut to them; they had carefully 
avoided all mention of those condemning words which 
their mistress had spoken, and yet that horrible death’s- 


106 


STELLA, THE STAM. 

head, suspicion, was leveled at her, and people who 
looked eagerly at her because of her beauty, shuddered 
slightly and whispered: 

She is an actress. What better could be expected of 
her?^^ 

It was only a whisper as yet, but threatening moment- 
arily to grow into a mutter, if not a decided sound. 

The whole city was in wildest excitement and the 
streets were thronged with the vast crowd assembled in 
front of the scene of the tragedy. 

Those admitted to the inquest had departed, and the 
gloaming was settling in the mansion stricken with death 
in its most hideous form. 

Do they expect me at the theater to-night, Ted?” 
asked Stella, as she stood beside him for a momont in the 
hall. 

‘‘No; it is closed for the remainder of the week.” 

“ I am glad.” 

“Will you wish to continue on after that, if — if all 
goes well?” 

“ Decidedly.” 

“ Stella, listen to me, dear. You know I would say 
nothing which was not for your good. Let Pendennis 
take you away for awhile.” 

“ And so stamp myself with a crime which I never 
committed. It is no use, Ted, I will not do it!” 

She spoke so firmly that he saw it was useless to urge 
her further, and, wisely, remained silent. 

“Was Philipps mother buried to-day?” she asked, 
sadly. 

“ Yes.” 

“ Poor fellow. It has been a terrible day for him.” 

“ You are sorry for his suffering?” 

“You know it.” 

“Then why not lighten it, when you might so easily? 
Oh, Stella, go, for his sake!” 

She shook her head, and smiled bitterly as she mounted 
the broad stairs. 

“You and Navie will stand by me, will you not?” she 
asked, wistfully, as she left him at the door of his own 
room. “I should like to know that you, Ted, my dear, 
old friend, do not believe me guilty. I have grown to 
be a coward since yesterday, and it would be a great 


STELLA, THE STAE. 


197 


comfort to me to know tkat yon trust me and believe that 
I did not do this horrible thing/-" 

would stand by you forever, even if I knew you to 
be guilty,^^ he exclaimed, passionately. You are one 
of the noblest women God ever created, and I have no 
feeling but love for you. Oh, Stella, why will you not 
let us save you 

‘^Do not speak of it again; you pain me,^’ she said, 
simply, pressing his hand gently. Perhaps I ought to 
go, but I cannot stamp my life with that awful sin.’^ 

She left him without another word, and he pushed 
open his door, which stood ajar, and entered his own 
room. 

In the center of the room, underneath the lighted 
chandelier, his wife stood. 

She was bending forward in an eager, listening atti- 
tude, her hands locked before her, her face deadly pale, 
her whole appearance indicating a terror beyond words. 

What was it she said?"^ she asked, in a strange, sibi- 
lant voice. Tell me.” 

He looked at her in surprise, marvelling much at her 
extraordinary manner. 

Pendennis and I have been endeavoring to persuade 
her to leave the city.-"^ 

What for?” 

‘‘ There are reasons why we believe it would be best 
for her,” answered Earlscourt, evasively. 

What reasons?” 

^^It is better that you should not know, my darling.” 

'^But I must know!” she returned, in scarcely repres* 
sible excitement. 

There are some persons,” he answered, hesitatingly, 

who are unjust enough to connect her with the murder. 
It is frightful.” 

Stella?” 

The word was a question, which ended in a gasp. 

^^Yes.” 

They believe she did — that dreadful thing?” 

^^That is it.” 

For a moment she was silent, silent from the excess of 
her shocking emotion. 

At last she spoke, in a voice so hoarse, so anguished, 
that it was scarcely recognizable. 


103 STELLA, THE STaE, 

It is false !’" slie exclaimed, with a force, of which he 
Avoiild have believed her incapable. You do not believe 
it, Ted; oh, for God’s sake, say you do not!” 

It looks badly for her/’ he answered, in an evasive 
manner. 

And she knows all?” 

She knows.” 

She will not go away as you request?” 

^^No.” 

^^Can she clear herself?” 

She will not.” 

What will be the result if she does not?” 

‘'Ruin; perhaps death.” 

Navie drew back, a convulsive shudder shaking her 
from head to foot. 

“That must not be!” she cried, aloud, falling on her 
knees beside her husband, her eyes 'wide with horrible 
fear. “ Oh, Ted, save her!” 

“What can I do?” 

“Hesitate at nothing!” she gasped, wildly. “Even to 
have the taint rest upon her for a day, would kill me. 
Promise me, Ted, promise!” 

“ I promise to do the best I can, but I am afraid it 
will be little enough.” 

“ But you must succeed,” she panted. “ Listen, Ted; 
you love me, do you not?” 

“Better than my life.” 

“Then, save her! Let nothing stand in the way of 
that, and give her back her reputation, as unstained as 
before this — rdireful thing occurred. I ask this, as you 
value my life.” 

“You are overwrought, my dearest,” said Earlscourt, 
soothingly, clasping her closely in his arms. “ You must 
calm yourself. Your love for her has made you over- 
sensitive. What can be done, shall be. At the last mo- 
ment all may be made clear, for she may be as innocent as 
you are.” 

She hid her white, despairing face in his bosom and 
sobbed aloud. 

“ Don’t say that,” she said, in a shivering, tremulous 
voice. “ It is the very essence of mockery. Dear God, 
how much more shall I be called upon to suffer?” 

‘^You are foolish, child. This will end well. DonT 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


199 


worry your pretty head so, darling. You must be calm, 
for it is time I was at the theater, and I cannot leave you 
like this,’"’ he said gently. 

There, I am all right now,” she exclaimed, forcing a 
smile to her drawn, haggard face. Don’t let me detain 
you. You will be late. I had forgotten.” 
lie kissed her many times and went from her. 

And she fell where he had left her, groveling and beat- 
ing her hands together in her awful agony. 


OHAPTEE XXXVIII. 

'^Xow, what shall I do?” Navie cried aloud, ''There 
is no escape for me, no outlet. • I am hemmed in on all 
sides, and the punishment of my sins draws tighter about 
me. I am doomed — doomed to suffer, doomed to receive 
the wages of sin, which is death ! Is there no move which 
I can make btffore I give up all hope? She must not, 
shall not suffer for a fault of mine. What shall I do?” 

She remained for some time in thought, rambling in a 
dazed, uncertain way from subject to subject, then at last 
she staggered to her feet. 

There was no fixed determination in her mind as she 
groped her way blindly about the room and clothed her- 
self for the street. 

Naturally of a virtuous and benevolent disposition, 
Navie totally lacked that firmness of mind which is nec- 
essary to the perfect equipoise of every character. She 
was, in consequence, utterly unable to resist the force of 
imperious circumstances, and was led on gradually and 
involuntarily from one crime to another, until she was 
involved in guilt beyond the possibility of escaping. 

She made her way out into the street, from which the 
dense crowd had cleared, leaving it lonely and deserted. 
The night was dark, and the street lamps shed their 
beacon rays abroad, safely directing the storm-tossed 
mariner upon the uncertain and shoaly sea of a great 
city. But the darkness in her soul blinded her eyes, and 
she felt her way along, staggering now and then under 
the great weight of her mental woe.. 

Her soul cried out in its mortal anguish, even when 
* her lips were dumb, she repressed the sound of her 


200 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


deadly pain until her bosom seemed bursting with over- 
charged misery. 

She walked on until she came to an imposing build- 
ing, which was only outlined by the street lights, as not 
one gleamed within its walls. 

Taking no notice of that, she mounted the stoop of a 
brown-stone house and pulled the bell. 

It clanged out with a peculiar mournful sound which 
seemed to form an appropriate accompaniment to the 
dirge within her heart, whose only words Avere desola- 
tion and death.” 

A servant lighted the hall gas and answered her sum- 
mons. 

‘‘May I see Mr. Daniel Pendennis,” she asked in a 
voice which startled even herself. 

The servant hesitated. 

“My master has sustained a great loss,” he said re- 
spectfully, “ and has retired to his own room. He does 
not wish to be disturbed.” 

“ Go to him and insist upon his seeing me,” she re- 
turned, still unable to control her voice. “ Tell him that 
it is of vital importance.” 

Impressed more by her tone and suffering face than 
her words, the servant showed her to a small parlor and 
Avent to do her bidding. 

She sat down upon a chair and, lost in bitter reflec- 
tions, she Avaited; how long, she ne.A’er kneAv. 

She was aroused by the sound of a voice, and looking 
up she saw an elegant gentleman with a kind old face, 
framed Avith snoAvy hair. 

“ You Avished to see me, madam?” 

“ Yes.” 

A rush of emotion stopped her utterance, and she stood 
before him trembling and silent. 

“Will you not be seated?” he asked gently, to cover 
her embarrassment. 

“In a moment,” she ansAvered in a holloAV voice. 
“Did you ever see me before, sir?” 

“Not to my knowledge,” looking at her critically. 

“I am the unfortunate daughter of Madelon Marble- 
head.” 

She paused, for Mr. Pendennishad turned deadly pale, 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


201 


You are not — Navie?^^ he asked, with tremulous hesi- 
tation . 

“lam.” 

He turned even paler, and put out his hand in an un- 
certain sort of way. 

“ Has your mother told you^” he began. 

“ My mother is dead, but before she died she told me 
the story of my birth.” 

“ Then you know that — I am your father.” 

I know it.” 

“ There is one thing which she very likely did not tell 
you, and that is that I never saw you from the time you 
wer*e a small child. She concealed you from me because 
I would not consent to some terms she proposed, and I 
was never able to find you. Will you let me make rep- 
aration to you now, my daughter?” 

He extended his hands in a pleading way, and she al- 
lowed him VO take her own and kiss her cold brow, but 
there was no enthusiastic demonstration of affection upon 
either side. 

“ It is too late for reparation now,” she said slowly. 
“I don’t know why I have come to you to-day; possibly 
because von are the only relative I have, and 1 need con- 
dolence and advice. I am in great trouble, from which 
there is no power which can extricate me.” 

“ Sit down and tell me all about it,” he said gently, 
recovering his composure, and leading her to a sofa. 

“ I shall have to begin at the beginning,” she re- 
turned after along pause, “and endeavor to make you 
understand, if I can, the perverted education which I 
have received, and my miserable training in the ways of 
vice instead of virtue.” 

She told her story simply and in a straightforward 
manner, screening herselx no more than justice and truth 
demanded. 

Daniel Pendennis covered his eyes with his hands and 
groaned aloud. He interrupted her many times with 
ejaculations of disgust and amazement. 

She told of her love for Earlscourt, the one pure pas- 
sion of her unholy life, and great drops of icy perspira- 
tion stood round her brow and mouth as she reached the 
concluding words of the dreadful tale. 

Without any desire or intention of taking Raoul 


20^ STELLA, THE STATt, 

BrownelFs life, I struck the blow which made me a mur- 
deress!'^ 

Godr 

The cry was au exclamation of mental pain which told 
much of the suffering of the listener. 

Without pausing, save to wipe the heavy moisture from 
her face> Navie continued, telling him of the frightful 
suspicion which hung about her friend. 

^‘1 cannot bear it," she concluded. ^‘1 will not have 
my one friend accused of my crime. Tell me, if you can, 
what shall I do?" 

Daniel Pendennis had listened to the story of Stella's 
self-sacrifice in silent wonderment. 

He still held to that old-fashioned notion concerning 
actresses, and the query suggested itself something after 
the same order as that which perplexed the mind of the 
people eighteen hundred years ago, Can anything good 
come out of Nazareth?" 

But he drove the thought from his mind, and, bowing 
his head upon his hands, seemed to reflect deeply. 

She — Mrs. Brownell — refuses to leave town, you say?" 
he asked, at last. 

^^Yes." 

Then you must be the one to do so." 

And leave the suspicion upon her? Never!" 

But your flight would attract it to you," 

I will not risk it. People might think I had disap- 
peared in order to avoid testifying against her." 

You could leave a confession." 

I miglit do tliat." 

^‘Will 5'Ou do it?" 

“1 would be compelled to tell all?" 

Not necessarily. A simple confession of the — the act 
would be sufficient." 

When would 1 have to go?" 

The sooner the better. To-night, now!" 

And never see his face again? I could not! I can- 
not!" she returned, hoarsely. I had rather die!" 

What will you do, then?" 

''Is her danger immediate?" she asked, with some 
glimmer of hope. 

" No." 


STELLA, THE STAR. 308 

^^What positive evidence could there be to convict 
her?"’ 

I do not know. There may be condemning circum- 
stances. I know nothing of the testimony.” 

The inquest will be continued to-morrow. Might 
she not be cleared of all suspicion?” 

It is possible.” 

Even if it should not be so, would I not have time 
after that to — for the — other?” 

Ye— es!” 

^^Then I will wait! Oh, God, if I could only be re- 
leased from this horrible position.” 

You may count upon me to do everything which lies 
in my power. You will not hesitate to call upon me?” 

No; you are the only one who can help me, the only 
one to whom I can apply. Good-bye, I am going now.” 

She arose, unsteadily, as she spoke, and the father’s 
heart, warming to the child who had never known a 
parent’s tenderness, was further touched. 

He clasped her in his arms and wept. 

^^Poor, misguided child!” he said, brokenly. ^^If I 
had done my duty this might never have happened. If 
I had tried a little harder to find you, I might have suc- 
ceeded, and saved you all this misery and remorse.” 

I only am to blame,” she interrupted, wearily. ^^I 
have sinned beyond pardon.” 

Do not say so!” said the old man, gently. ^^Do 
you forget that it was the repentant sinner’s tear which 
bought the Peri’s way into Paradise? Do you not re- 
member the bright, meteoric smile which the angel 
threw from heaven’s gate to hail that tear, ^the gift 
that is most dear to Heaven.’ Hope yet, dear child. 
The tooba-tree extends its inviting shade to all, the saints 
and repentant sinners alike.” 

A choking sob was his only answer. 

She opened the door and passed out. 

He followed her to the stoop, stood bare-headed upon 
it until she, with slow, halting steps, vanished from his 
siglit, then-he returned to his own room. 

He looked about him with a wan, ghastly smile. 

Peace and plenty here,” he said aloud; ‘^sorrow, 
crime, and death there, and yet I am her father! It is 
the way of the world. Children suffer for the sins of the 


20i 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


parent, and she is suffering for both of ours. My mis- 
ery has just begun; In the last years of my life, in my 
old age, sorrow and remorse l)ave come upon me. It is 
the payment of an old debt with its interest compounded, 
it is just, it is right! And she— poor little girl! A 
bright, young life ruined! She is an outcast and mur- 
deress, her hands are stained with blood, and yet her soul 
is as pure as the dead,'’^ 

He bowed his head and wept again. 

He was right. 

For a spirit pure as hers 

Is always pure, ev’n while it errs; 

As sunshine, broken in the rill, 

Though turned astray, is sunshine still.” 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 

The inquest in the case of Raoul Brownell was nearly 
at a close. All the witnesses but one had been examined, 
and no new evidence elicited which threw any light what- 
ever upon the culprit. 

With pale, strained face, and contrary to the desire of 
her husband, Navie had remained where she could hear 
every word. Hope had begun to revive once more, and 
she began to think again that some way would be opened 
for her escape. 

Only one more witness, the footman,"' sire whispered 
to herself, then this horrible suspense will be at an 
end." 

She pressed her hand tightly over her heart and waited 
breathlessly as his name was called. 

John Thornton." 

The man came forward, and took the chair the other 
witnesses had occupied. 

“ Wliat position do you hold in this housed" 

Footman." 

"^Had you any opportunities of knowing anything of 
Mr. BrownelFs life?" ^ 

''Yes, sir." 

'‘What?" 

"I sometimes attended the door." 

" Were you on duty the day of the murder?" 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


205 


Yes, sir/^ 

AVere you in the room with the other servants when 
they first saw the body?^^ 

^^No, sir/^ 

Then you know nothing of the murder?^^ 

The man shifted uneasily in his chair. 

Do you?” the coroner repeated. 

I — I was looking through the library window when 
Clochette entered. I sometimes entered the house that 
way when no one saw me.” 

AVhat did you see when you looked through the win- 

Again the man was silent. 

Answer!” said-the coroner, sternly. 

I saw Mr. Brownell upon the floor, and his wife 
kneeling over him, her hands all covered with blood.” 

Was that all?” 

The man^s face had slowly grown ashy. His voice was 
scarcely audible as he answered: 

She spoke some words,” 

Wliat were they?” 

I did not hear the first.” 

Kepeat as much as you did hear.” 

^ Am his murderess."^” 

Every ear in the room was bent eagerly forward to 
catch the words, and there was a decided sensation. A 
low murmur of horror, a chill of disgust, passed through 
the room, and even men turned aside their heads in 
sickening repugnance. 

You say Clochette Le Staid was in the room at the 
time?” 

‘‘She stood just inside the door.” 

A few more unimportant questions were asked, then 
he was dismissed and Clochette recalled. 

Trembling and tearful she returned to the improvised 
witness-box. 

“ In giving your testimony in this case you did not 
speak of hearing your mistress utter any words.” 

“No, sir.” 

“Why not?” 

Clochette was silent, and covered her face with her 
hands. 

“ Do you not know,” said the solemn voice of the cor- 


20G 


STELLA, THE STAB. 


oner, inexorable when duty demanded it, ^^that you are 
bound by a moral and legal obligation to be the assistant 
of justice? Further than that, do you not know that 
later on, in a court, before whose tribunal criminals are 
tried, you can be forced to speak?” 

Clochette’s sobs were his only answer. 

Why do you not speak?” 

^‘1 will speak, sir, but I cannot bear to repeat any of 
my mistress' words which were never intended for other 
ears.” 

Did you hear the words which John Thornton says 
he heard?” 

^^Yes, sir.” 

^‘Will you repeat them?” 

I heard my mistress say ^ I am his murderess!' ” 

That was all. 

She was permitted to retire. 

Blindly and with extended, groping hands, Navie 
went from her place of concealment. She found her 
way into the room where Stella, Philip, and Earlscourt 
were seated. 

She opened the door and stood before them. 

Her lips were deadly white, her eyes glassy, her face 
covered with a cold, clammy dew, which rendered her 
horrible to look upon. 

^^What is it?” cried Earlscourt, springing to her side 
and putting out his arms to support her. 

Nothing!' she answered, forcing a smile to her pal- 
lid lips. Go find out the result of this — investiga- 
tion.” 

She spoke with such dignity, such firmness, such 
pathos, that unquestioningly Earlscourt departed to do 
her bidding. 

He had heard most of the evidence and knew almost 
all before he departed. 

It was not long ere he returned, returned bearing the 
news which all had expected, but none had dared put into 
words. 

y What is it?” asked Philip, as he caught sight of his 
friend’s troubled face. 

‘‘ She is to be held to await the action of the grand 
jury,” returned Earlscourt, in a low tone. 


STELLA, THE STaA 20l 

The words had scarcely been uttered, when a man, a 
stranger to them, stood upon the threshold. 

He stepped into the room, but, divining his intention, 
Navie threw herself between him and Stella. 

Do not touch her!’^ she cried, in a loud, despairing 
Toice. ^'She is innocent, for 1 am the murderess!” 

The man fell back in utter bewilderment, while Earls- 
court, stunned, petrified, stood with open mouth, and in- 
drawn, gasping breath, scarce comprehending all the 
misery which had befallen him. 

She turned to him. 

Her hopeless eyes, her shrinking attitude, appealed with 
a mighty force to his heart, and he took one step for- 
ward, only to fall back again. 

You!” he gasped. 

I confess my crime!” she exclaimed, in a hollow voice. 
^^Oh, Ted, Ted!” 

You are mad!” he cried out, seeming to see some 
reason for her words, and grasping it. 

‘MVould to God I were!” she answered. It might 
lessen the sin. It might lessen the awful pain here!” — ■ 
pressing her hand on her heart. 

She paused, and over her stony face there flashed one 
gleam of suffering, then as quickly vanished, leaving her 
countenance as though carved from marble. 

'"You have all heard,” she cried, aloud, again. "I 
struck the fatal blow, it was my hand which slew him, 
and now Twill slay myself!” 

Before they could reach her, she had drawn a shining 
steel blade from the folds of her dress, and plunged it 
into her bosom. 

With a fearful gurgle, she sunk upon the floor, and for 
a moment lay there as though unconscious. 

With blanched faces, and ghastly, staring eyes, the 
witnesses of the wretclied scene stood breathless, dazed, 
stupidly gazing upon tlie fallen woman. 

She raised her head, and endeavored to stagger to her 
feet, but it was too late, as already her life-blood was 
staining lier dress. 

Witli painful effort she dragged herself across the floor 
until she lay at his feet, theii she raised her eyes with 
the pitiful expression of a wounded animal, and said: 

"Ted, Ted, have you no word of good-bye for me?. 


20 ^ STELLA, TBE STA^. 

Lefc me liear the sound of your voice once more, if I heai* 
it in a curse. 

Those words seemed to arouse him from his lethargy, 
and he bent forward and raised her in liis arms. 

Oh, my darling, why have you done this awful thing? 
A doctor, quick, quick!” 

She put up her hand feebly witli a detaining gesture. 

^^It is too late!” she gasped. I have done my work 
well. Tt is my life's blood wliich you see.” 

But Pliilip summoned a servant and sent in haste for 
a physician. 

Tell me what tempted you to do this deed, my own?” 
asked Earlscourt, as he looked upon her in dry-eyed 
grief. 

It is better that you should not know,” she answered 
slowly, painfully. ‘^The secret will die with him and 
me.” 

‘^Do you not trust me?” 

Oh, Ted, if I only had done so in time! What tort- 
ure I might have saved us all. You would have despised 
me, but I would not have added this crowning dishonor 
to 3'our life.” 

^^Tell me all, Eavie, all that you can, sweetheart.” 

An expression of deep anguish crossed her face. She 
closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them 
there was a perceptible change. The shadow of death 
lurked in their depths. 

He saw it and shuddered. 

'^It is the old story,” she said, pausing between each 
word for breath; the old story of sin and its hideous 
shadows. The sin which lays its victims low to be tram- 
pled in the filth and mire of the street; the sin which 
sets itself in the market place to be scoffed at, jeered at 
and spit upon by the assembled crowd; the sin which sells 
a soul and bids adieu to the good-will of man and the 
smile of God. It is all over now, all the fear and ^ame 
and horror of it all. Good-bye, my dearest, the one pure 
lily that reared its head in the midst of all the corrup- 
tion. Farewell — I — Stella — Philip — ^ repentant sinner's 
tears ' ” 

She raised her head, smiled and fell back. 

For one moment Farlscourt bent above her, whispering 
into her ear, and it seemed to reach her even down into 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


209 


the valley where she was rapidly journeying, for she 
raised her eyes once more, her lips framed some word in- 
telligible only to liim, and the presence of the frail spirit 
was demanded by the IMuster. 

They took her from his arms and bore her gently to a 
conch, and he — kneeling where they had left him — sunk 
forward upon the floor, his white, unconscious face down- 
ward. 

Poor Navie! 

“ No mercy now can clear her brow 
For this world’s peace to pray; 

For, as love’s wild prayer dissolved in air, 

Her woman's heart g;ave way! 

But the sin forgiven by Christ in heaven, 

By man is cursed alway !” 


CTIAPTEP XL. 

Three years bring their changes to the grief-stricken, 
as well as the happy. Sorrows are put aside if not for- 
gotten, and though the cicatrice may remain, yet the 
wound no longer gapes in its agonizing pain. 

Back to the old playhouse once more, where she had 
known so much woe and so much pleasure; back again to 
the old mimic existence wliicli had lightened her somber 
life, let us go again with Stella, now that the green 
curtain has been dropped upon all her unhappiness. 

There she stands, as in the olden time, before -her mir- 
ror, as glorious a vision as ever gladdened the eyes of 
man, in her soft, fleecy draperies, with her lovely neck 
and arms bare and gleaming like delicately tinted marble. 
Her small, well-poised head is tipped to one side as she 
adds a trifle of pomade to her long eyelash upon one side, 
then turned the other way as the hare's-foot is brought 
into service to add a touch of rouge to the upper part of 
one dainty ear, then she stands cpiite still to criticise the 

result. . 

There, Miss Vanity/’ says a laughing voice at her 
side, ‘Miave you admired yourself enough for once?” 

' Why, are you gi’owing anxious to kiss me.''” she asks 
saucilv, as she'puts up her two dainty lips. 

‘^I^am not fond of having my lips daubed up with 


210 


STELLA, THE STAR. 


grease, paint or Exora rouge, if I must get the name ex- 
actly correct,^" he answers laughingly. 

I have not a particle on. Kiss me, for oh, Phil, I 
am so happy that I feel as if my heart were bursting 
right out of my body.^^ 

He does kiss her long and tenderly, interrupted by a 
knock upon the door. 

‘^Stellj are you dressed? May I come in?” asks an 
eager, hearty voice. 

Certainly,” answers Stella’s husband for her. “ Come 
in, Ted.” 

You ought to see the house,” he says, almost before 
the door is opened. 

What’s the matter?” asks Stella, with mock solem- 
nity. Yellow dog?” 

Yellow dog, indeed!” he returns in disgust. Wliy, 
it is the most beautiful thing you ever saw. Looks like 
heaven had opened and all the angels had come 
through.” 

What, the house?” 

Well, the people. They mean to give you a grand 
welcome after your English triumphs.” 

And I mean to give them a grand performance, to 
show them that Victoria’s subjects have not turned my 
head nor my heart from my own loved country. The 
dukes and marchionesses and princes and ladies are all 
very nice and pleasant, but give me my good old plain 
Mr. and Mrs., and my dear, dear old plebeian America, 
in preference to all other climes and lands. Oh, Ted, 
oh, Phil, I am so glad to be home again!” 

She caught Philip round the neck, and went whirling 
around the small room to the tones of an imaginary 
waltz. 

Here, madcap, I cry you mercy,” Phil gasps at last, 
all out of breath from his rapid gyration. You’ll have 
every particle of make-up off your face.” 

What of that?” she asks, with a charming moiie. 

You always say I look prettier without it.” 

So you do, but not with it half on and half off, and 
the rouge streaked across your face as if dirty water had 
trickled down it.” 

“Say, Stel,” cries Earlscourt, “if you’ll only stop long 
enough, I’ve come here to tell you something.” 


STELLA, THE STAR, 


21] 


Wliat?’^ she asks, with a penny-tragedy air. 

Well, get that genzeifeuzoid off your nose and Til tell 
yon.” 

She pauses before the glass, carefully wipes off a 
smudge of pomade, powders over the spot, and turns to 
him again; 

Speak!” she says in a sepulchral voice. 

^ They are going to call upon you for a speech to- 
night. It is to be an awful surprise to you, you know.” 

Great Scot!” Here, Phil, take a pencil and paper 
and write me out something, quick. Make it sound a 
little rattled, as though I were making it up as I go 
along, and say what a tremendous surprise it is to have 
that sprung on me all in a moment, only leave out the 
slang, please. Make it nice, so that they will not think 
the ocean turned my brain over with all the rest. But 
you know what to say.” 

Overture!” 

Heavens! I’ll strangle that call-boy. Hurry, Phil! 
You havenT got steen seconds, and PU never learn it. 
AVhen will they call for it, Ted?” 

^‘Not before the end of the act, on your recall, I 
guess.” 

'‘Oh, then therein be loads of time. Do your level 
best, Phil, and make them think I am A. F. G., a 7ie 
]jIus ultra of impromptu speakers.” 

[the end.] 



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126 A Dangerous Game, by Ida Linn 

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129 Count of Monte-Cristo, Part I. 

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164 Enemies Born, by Laura C. 

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166 The Midshipmait, Marmaduke 

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170 John Bull and His Island, by 

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172 The Clique of Gold, by Emile 

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173 Beauty’s Daughters, by the 

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174 For Her Dear Sake, by Mary 

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175 Vixen, by Miss M. E. Braddon ... 20 

176 The New Magdalen, by Wilkie 

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177 W’hite Wings: A Yachting Ro- 

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178 The Arundel Motto, by Mary 

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179 Barnahy Rudge, by Charles 

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180 The Sun Maid, by Mi.ss Grant.. 20 

181 Maid. Wife or Widow? by Mrs. 

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184 Hidden Perils, by Mary Cecil 

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191 Lord Lynne’s Choice, by Char- 

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192 Oliver Twist, by Charles Dick- 

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193 Barbara; or. Splendid Misery, 

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194 My First Offer, by Mary Cecil 

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234 Beyond Recall, bj' Adeline Ser- 

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245 At War With Herself, by Char- 

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247 Nora's Love Test, by Mary Cecil 

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248 From Otit The Gloom, by Char- 

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249 Love's Warfare, by Charlotte 

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250 The Queen of Hearts, by Wilkie 

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251 A Story of Tiiree Sisters, by C. 

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252 Moonshine and Marguerites, and 

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253 Loys, Lord Berresf->rd,ana The 

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254 The Knightsbridge Mystery, and 

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255 Sweet is True Love, and That 

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256 Beau Tancrede, by Alex. Dtimas 20 

257 Tom Brown’s School Days, by 

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258 The Piithfinder, by J. Fenimore 

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259 Dark Days, by Hugh Conway.. 20 

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265 Apnes Evelyn, by G. W. M. 

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316 Our Mutual Friend, Part I, by 

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342 That Terrible Man, by W, E. 

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343 Paul and Virginia, by B. de St. 

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359 The Doctor’s Wife, by Miss M. 

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360 Fenton’s Quest, by Miss M. E. 

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361 The Golden Calf, by Miss M. E, 

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362 Hostages to Fortune, by Miss 

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363 Birds of Prey, by Miss M. E. 

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364 Charlotte’s Inheritance, by Miss 

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365 Just As I Am, by Miss M. E. 

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367 Taken at the Flood, by Miss M, 

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368 Df-ad Men’s Shoes, by Miss M. 

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369 John Marchmont’s Legacy, by 

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370 Lady Castlemaine’s Divorce, by 

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371 Curley, and My Poor Wife 20 

372 Carriston’s Gift, by Hugh Con- 

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378 Dick’s Sweetheart, by the 
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374 A Second Life, by Mrs. Alex- 

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375 A Family Affair, by Hugh Con- 

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376 Dorris, by the “ Duchess *’ 20 

377 Mrs. Geoffrey, by the “ Duch- 

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378 Faith and Unfaith, by the 

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379 Rossmoyne, by the “ Duchess ’’ 20 

380 Mildred Trevanion, by the 

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381 A Week in Killarney, by the 

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382 A Maiden All Forlorn, by the 

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383 Thrown on the World, by Char- 

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384 The Earl’s Atonement, by Char- 

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385 Under a Siiadow, by Charlotte 

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386 The Shadow of the Sword, by 

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387 Go<i and the Man, by Robert 

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388 Tne Martyrdom of Madeline, by 

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389 Annan Water, by Robert Bu- ‘ 

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390 Love Me Forever, by Robert Bu- 

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391 A Treacherous Woman, by Mrs. 

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392 Married by the Mayor, by Mrs. 

H. C. Hoffman 20 

393 A Harvest of Thorns, by Mrs. H. 

C. Hoffman 20 

394 Laughing Eyes, by Mrs. H. C. 

Hoffman.' 20 

395 Married at Midnight, by Mrs. H. 

C. Hoffman 20 

396 Lost to the World, by Mrs. H. 

C. Hoffman 20 

397 Love C niquers Pride, by Mrs. 

H. C. Hoffman 20 

398 A Misf-rable Woman, by Mrs. 

H. C. Hoffman 20 

399 A Si.ster’s Vengeance, by Mrs. 

H. C. Hoffman 20 

400 Mary Anderson, by J. M. Far- 

rar, M. A 10 

401 A Gill Hero, by Mary Grace 

Halpine 20 

402 A Letter, by Mary Grace Hal- 

pine 20 

403 Discarded, by Mary Grace Hal- 

pine 20 

404 A Strange Betrothal, by Mary 

Grace Halpine 20 

405 His Brother's Widow, by Mary 

Grace Halpine 20 

406 A Wife’s Crime, by Mary Grace 

Halpine 20 

407 The Young School-teacher, by 

Mary Grace Halpine 20 

408 A Great Divorce Case, by Mary 

Grace Halpine 20 

409 A Strange Disappearance, by 

Mary Grace Halpine 20 

410 Tlie Divorced Wife, by Mary 

Grace Halpine 20 

411 Biind Elsie’s Crime, by Mary 

Gi ace Halpine 20 

412 Wronged, by Mary Grace Hal- 

pine 20 

.13 Prince of Darkness, by F. 

Warden 20 

iM O Driscoll of Dara, by Dennis 

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115 Fa iied Fontenoy, by Dennis 

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416 A Strange Case, by Dennis 

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417 M trv JMavourneen, by Dennis 

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418 Tlie Lion of Limerick, by Den- 

nis O'Sullivan 20 

419 The Beam y of Beiiburb, by Den- 

nis O’Sullivan 20 

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507 Cherry Ripe, by Helen B. Math- 

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508 A Country Gentleman, by Mrs. 

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509 Unfairly Won, by Nannie P. 

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511 I Have Lived and Loved, by 

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524 A House Divided Against Itself, 

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525 A Cardinal Sin, by Hugh Con- 

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527 Locked Out, by Hart Bernard.. 10 

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558 Prince Otto, by Robert L. Ste- 

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559 Sam’s Sweetheart, by Helen B. 

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560 My Lady Green Sleeves, by 

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665 Hand and Glove, by Amelia B. 

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567 Beaton's Bargain 20 

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570 The Mayor of Casterbridge, by 

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571 Living or Dead, by Hugh Con- 

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572 If Love Be Love, by D. Cecil 

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573 A Stern Chase, by Mrs. Cashel 

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574 “King” Arthur, by Hannah 

Mulock 10 

575 The Heritage of Langdale, by 

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576 The Secret of Her Life, by Ed- 

ward Jen It ins 20 

577 Ralph Wilton’s Weird, by Mrs, 

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578 Marjorie; or. Wild as a Hawk, 

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579 The Head Station, by Mrs. 

Camphell-Praed 20 

580 A Diamond in the Rough, by 

Alice O’ Hanlon 20 

581 Army Society, hy J. S. Winter. 10 

582 In the Old Palazzo, by Gertrude 

Forde 20 

583 One of the Family, by James 

Payn 20 

584 A Fair Maid, by F. W. Robinson 20 

585 Pretty Miss Bellew, by Theo. 

Gift 20 

586 Fleurange. by Mine. Augustus 

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587 The Trumpet Major, by Thomas 

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588 A Fallen Idol, by F. Anstey — 20 

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Warden 10 

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596 By the Gate of tne Sea, by David 

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598 Amoret, by Charles Gibiion 20 

599 The Crack of Doom, by William 

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600 Jet; Her Face or Her Fortune, 

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601 A Ballroom Repentance, by Mrs. 

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602 A Point of Honor, by Mrs. Annie 

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603 Ought We to Visit Her, by Mrs. 

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606 A Blue Stocking, by Mrs. Annie 

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609 Pliilip Earnsoiiffe, by Mrs. An- 

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612 T.ike Lucifer, by Denzil Vane... 20 

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way 10 

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618 Bad to Beat, by Hawley Smart. 10 

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622 Our Radicals, by Fred Burnaby 20 

623 The Prettiest Woman in War- 

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624 New Arabian Nights, by Robert 

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625 A Wicked Girl, by Mary Cecil 

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626 Found Out, by Helen B. Math- 

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627 An Ill-Reg»ilated Mind, by Kath- 

arine Wylde 10 

628 Delicia, by Beatrice May Butt.. 20 

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ence Marry at 20 

630 My Sister the Actress, by Flor- 

ence Marry at 20 

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632 ” No inientions,” by Florence 

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633 Written in Fire, by Florence 

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634 Captain Norton’s Diary, by 

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635 The Girls of Feversham, by 

Florence Marryat 20 

636 The Root of All Evil, by Flor- 

ence Marryat 20 

637 Out of His Reckoning, by Flor- 

ence Marryat 10 

638 Facing the Footlights, by Flor- 

ence Marryat 20 


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640 A Star and a Heart, by Florence 

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641 Ange, by Florence Marryat 20 

642 A Harvest of Wild Oats, by 

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643 A Little Stepson, by Florence 

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644 Phyllida, by Florence Marryat 20 

645 With Cupid’s Eyes, by Florence 

Marryat 20 

646 The Poi-on of Asps, by Florence 

Marryat 10 

647 The Fair-haired Alda, by Flor- 

ence Marryat 20 

648 A Lucky Disappointment, by 

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649 The Heir Presumptive, by Flor- 

ence Marryat 20 

650 Under the Lilies and Roses, by 

Florence Marryat 20 

651 The Heart of Jane Warner, by 

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652 Love's Conflict, Part I., by Flor- 

ence Marryat 20 

653 Love’s Conflict, Part II., by 

Florence Marryat 20 

654 The Wife’s SacHifice, by Adolphe 

D’Euner^' 10 

655 Little Sunshine, by Adah M. 

Howard 20 

656 A Phantom Lover, by Vernon 

Lee 20 

657 Baptized with a Curse, by Edith 

Stewart Drewry 20 

658 Divorce, by the author of “ Led 

Astray ” 20 

659 A True Magdalen, by Ciiarlolte 

M. Braeme 20 

660 King Solomon’s Mines, by H 

Rider Haggard 20 

661 Lady Valw’orth’s Diamonds, by 

the ” Duchess ” 10 

602 Little Tu’ penny, by S. Baring 

Gould 20 

663 A House Party, by ” Ouida ” 10 

664 Mohawks, by Miss M. E. Bi ad- 

don 20 

665 Treasure Island, by Robert L. 

Stevenson ' .. 10 

666 Once Again, by Mrs. Forrester. 20 

667 A Woman’s Error, by Charlotte 

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668 A Voyage to the Cape, by W. 

Clark Russell 20 

669 An Only Daughter, by Hazel 

Wood * 20 

670 On The Quicksands, by Hazel 

Wood 20 

671 A Terrible Tangle, by Hazel 

Wood 20 

672 Her Son’s Wife, by Hazel Wood 20 

673 Two Wives, bv Hazel Wood 20 

674 The Tramp’s Daugliter, by 

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676 Poor Nell, by Hazel Wood 2(> 

677 Little Bessie, by Hazel Wood... 20 

678 Faust; a Weird Story, by A.lfred 

R. Philips 10 

679 Doctor Cupid, by R h o d a 

BrouRhtoii 20 

680 The Guilty River, by Wilkie 

Collins 10 

881 The Holy Rose, by Walter Be- 

sant 10 

882 A Willful Younpr Woman, by the 

author of Who is Sylvia?” 20 
563 Golden Bells, by R. E. Fran- 

cillon 10 

184 Joan Wentworth, by Katherine 

S. Macquoid 20 

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186 The World Went Very Well 

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637 The Nine of Hearts, by B. L. 

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689 Love and Life, by Charlotte AL 

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690 Chantry House, by Charlotte M. 

Yonge 20 

691 The Dove in the Eagle’s Nest, 

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692 The Two Sides of the Sliield, by 

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693 My \oung Alcides, by Charlotte 

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695 lone Stewart, by Mrs. E. Lynn 

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696 Dorothy Forster, by Walter Be- 

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697 John; a Love Story, by Mrs. 

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698 Margaret Maitland, by Mrs. Oli- 

phant .■ 20 

699 The Witch’s Head, by H. Rider 

Haggard 20 

700 She. by H. Rider Haggard ;20 

701 For Another’s Sin, by Charlotte 

M. Braeme 20 

702 One Tiling Needful, by Miss M. 

E. Braddon 20 

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Marryat. 20 

704 A Modern Telemachus, by Char- 

lotte M. Yonge 20 

705 I/vs Miserables, Part I., by Vic- 

tor Hugo 20 

706 Les Miserables, Part II., by Vic- 

tor Hugo 20 

707 Les Miserables, Part III., by Vic- 

tor Hugo 20 

708 The Rival Cousins, by Col. 

Prentiss Ingraham 20 


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710 A Poor Gentleman, by Mrs. 

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711 Pure Gold, by Mrs. H. Lovett 

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712 Karina, by A. P. Sinnett 

713 A Woman s War, by Charlotte 

M. Braeme 20 

714 Hilary’s Folly, by Charlotte M. 

Braeme 20 

715 A Haunted Life, by Charlotte 

M. Braeme 20 

716 Jess, by H. Rider Haggard. ... 20 

717 Why Not? by Florence Marryat 20 

718 The Merry Men, and other tales, 

by Robert L. Stevenson. 20 

719 In One Town, by E. Downey 20 

720 Elizabeth’s Fortune, by Miss 

Bertlia Tliomas * 20 

721 “ He,” a companion to ‘‘ She ” 20 

722 Springhaven, by R. Blackmore. 20 

723 Wooed and Married, by Rosa 

Noiichette Carey. . . 20 

724 “Dawn,” by H. Rider Haggard, 

Complete.. 20 

725 The Woodlanders, by Thomas 

Hardy 20 

726 “ It,” the most popular book of 

tlie age 20 

727 Wee Wifie, by Rosa Nouchette 

Carey 20 

?28 Her World Against A Lie, by 

Florence Marryat 20 

729 The Dead Secret, by Wilkie Col- 

lins 20 

730 Sabina Zembra. by W, Black. . 20 

731 Knight-Errant, by Etlna Lyall... 20 

732 Her Johnnie, by Violet Whyte. 20 

7^ “ Pa,” by tlie autnor of “ He,” 

“ It ” etc 20 

734 “ Ma,” by tlie Author of “ He,” 

“It ” etc 20 

735 A Go’ldeu Hope, by W. Clark 

RusS' 11 20 

736 King Solomon’s Wives, by the 

Author of “ He,” “ It,” etc. .. 20 
73f King Solomon’s Treasures, by 

Author of “ He,” “ It,” etc. . . 20 
738 Allan Quatermain, by H. Rider 


Haggard 20 

739 “ Bess,” a companion to “Jess ” 20 

740 ’Twixt Smile and Tear, by C. M. 

Braeme 20 

741 Oni, by Wenona Gilman 20 

742 Sweet Cymbeliue, by Charlotte 

M. Braeme 20 

743 Open Sesame, by Florence Mar- 

ryat 20 

744 Mad Dumaresq, by Florence 

Manvat 20 

745 Marjorie's Fate, by Charlotte 

M. Braeme . 20 

746 Lady Diana’s Pride, by Char- 

lotte M. Braeme 20 


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747 The Belle of Lynn, by Charlotte 

M. Braeme 20 

748 FigrhtiHg: the Air, by Florence 

Marryac 20 

749 Marrying and Giving in Mar- 

riage, and “ Us,” by Mrs. 
Moles worth 20 

750 This Man’s Wife, by George 

Manville Fenn 20 

751 Next of Kin — Wanted, by Miss 

Betham-Ed wards 20 

752 A Near Relation, by Christabel 

R. Coleridge 20 

753 A Daughter of the People, by G. 

M. Craik 20 

754 Redeemed by Love, by Char-* 

lotte M. Braeme 20 

755 The Mystery of Colde Fell by C. 

M. Braeme 20 

756 Golden Gates, by Charlotte M. 

Braeme 20 


NO. PRICE, 

757 His Wife’s Judgment, by Char- 

lotte M. Braeme 26 

758 Amor Vincit. by Mrs. Herbert 

Martin 20 

759 A Choice of Chance, by William 

Dodson 20 

760 The Squire’s Darling, and Her 

Second Love, by Charlotte M. 
Braeme 20 

761 Puck, Part I. by ” Ouida ” 20 

762 Puck, Part II, by “Ouida ” 20 

763 Tricotrin, Part 1, by “Ouida”.. 20 

764 Tricotrin, Part II, by “Ouida”. 20 

765 Princess Napraxine, by “Ouida” 20 

766 As in a Looking Glass by F. C. 

Philips 20 

767 A Dateless Bargain, by C. L. 

Pirkis 20 

768 Aunt Hepsy’s Foundling, by 

Mrs. Leith Adams 20 

769 A Terrible Legacy, by Appleton 20 


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